Latest Nutrition News
Turmeric slows mental decline
The yellow spice turmeric adds more than colour and flavour to Asian cooking. It contains a powerful antioxidant called curcumin, which scientists suggest could slow mental decline in elderly people by 49%. Elderly Asian people who consume turmeric appear to show slower mental deterioration. Scientists in Singapore found that 60-93 year olds who ‘occasionally’, ’often’ or ‘very often’ ate curry containing curcumin performed better in mental tests than those who ‘never’ or ‘rarely’ ate curry. The incidence of Alzheimer’s in India amongst 70-79 year olds is four-fold less than in the USA. How Alzheimer’s develops is not clear, although evidence suggests a build up of plaque deposits in the brain. The journal of Alzheimer’s disease suggests that curcumin helps the immune system reduce these deposits. Curcumin also helps reduce cholesterol, supporting a healthy heart and arteries.
Turmeric can be used in cooking but if this is difficult on a regular basis then turmeric extract can be found in some high strength antioxidant supplements such as SuperPhyte from Higher Nature.
Contraceptive Pill lowers CoQ10 and vitamin E
The American Journal of obstetrics and Gynecology reported recently that women on the Pill can develop low co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) levels and could benefit from supplementation. These fat-soluble antioxidants scavenge harmful excess free radicals, which contribute to ill health. Fifty-five pre-menopausal women with regular menstruation entered the study; 15 wee on the pill and 40 were not. Women taking the Pill were found to have 37% lower blood serum CoQ10 levels and 24% lower vitamin E levels than women taking the pill. The body’s ability to make its own CoQ10 falls with age.
Taking a CoQ10 supplement with added vitamin E may help to maintain levels of these important nutrients.
Vitamin D flu link
USA researchers suggest a link between Vitamin D deficiency and increased influenza (flu) levels over the winter months. Vitamin D forms in the skin after exposure to sunlight, which is in short supply during winter. Vitamin D depletion is common in winter in northern Europe. It is important for a healthy functioning immune system. Scientists have found that young men vaccinated with live flu virus were eight times more prone to develop a fever during winter than summer, and vitamin D deficient children in India were more likely to develop lung infections. Fish and animal livers are good food sources.
Nutri-Links Vitamin D drops provide an easily absorbed and convenient way to obtain sufficient vitamin D when a daily dose of sunlight seems far away!
