Fish Oil lowers risk for dementia

Did you know that a supplement you’re probably already taking can cut your risk of dementia by 39% or more?

You probably already know that omega-3 fatty acids are great for your heart, your colon, and your lungs. But a new study suggests they’re also a great way to protect yourself from dementia.

A study followed 1,214 subjects for four years. At the start of the study, none of the participants had dementia. During the four years, 65 developed dementia. Having a high EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) level reduced that risk by 31% regardless of depression. Higher arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid that can cause inflammation) compared to another omega-3 fatty acid called DHA raised the risk 39%. And the omega-6 fatty acid was particularly devastating to those with depression.

Omega fatty acids must be in balance. A natural human diet will contain from 4:1 to 2:1 omega 6 to omega 3. The average American intake is 6:1 or greater. This can be very pro-inflammatory, which is a huge risk for Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases.

There are many ways to increase your omega-3 fatty acids. The best way is to eat a diet rich in chia seeds, flax seeds, cold water fish from Alaska (or other northern waters), and also take supplements. Fish oil supplements, are a great way to get omega-3 fatty acids.

Resveratrol could replace HRT from http://www.wrightnewsletter.com

You’re no stranger to the hazards associated with HRT–the increased risk of breast cancer being just one of them. Some women feel there’s no choice, though–I have family members who won’t give up this risky conventional treatment. The symptoms of menopause are just too much for them to handle, they say.

But as more dangers are uncovered, more safe and natural alternatives are also being brought to light.

And now there’s another one to add to the list.

Resveratrol. That’s right–the miracle substance in grape skins and red wine that could increase our longevity could also replace dangerous HRT and help prevent breast cancer, according to new research.

You see, resveratrol is a phytoestrogen like red clover and lignans (found in soy, berries, and others). Phytoestrogens are nothing new– numerous studies have shown they can reduce cancer risk and help your heart. And resveratrol could prove a very powerful phytoestrogen.

The study, the results of which were published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, demonstrated the high antitumor and estrogenic activity of resveratrol. Researchers compared resveratrol to other phytoestrogens and found that it increased cancer-cell death more than any of the others.

It also lowered a measure called the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, which determines the susceptibility of cancer cells to apoptosis (basically cell suicide).

They called it the “most promising candidate as an HRT alternative and chemopreventive reagent for breast cancer.”

Researchers say more investigation is needed to understand how resveratrol suppresses cell growth, but if you want to start taking it right away, Dr. Wright recommends 200–300 milligrams daily.

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