ScienceDaily (Feb. 20, 2009) - A vegan food renowned in Asia for its ability to protect against heart attacks also shows a powerful ability in lab experiments to prevent formation of the clumps of tangled protein involved in Alzheimer's disease, scientists in Taiwan are reporting. \n\nRita P. Y. Chen and colleagues point out that people in Asia have been eating natto - a fermented food made from boiled soybeans -for more than 1,000 years. Natto contains an enzyme, nattokinase, that has effects similar to clot-busting drugs used in heart disease.Nattokinase is sold a dietary supplement to impro
Are omega-3 fatty acids options for prevention and treatment of cognitive decline and dementia?
Cederholm T, Palmblad J.
Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2009 Dec 16. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 20019606
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To report recent data on the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) found in oily fish, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), to prevent and treat cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Observational studies still provide conflicting results, in which the majority indicate beneficial effects on cognition, both when assessed as a continuous variable or as incident dementia, mainly Alzheimer's disease. Experimental studies have demonstrated potentially ameliorating effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA on amyloid fragment formation, signal transduction including upregulation of the apolipoprotein receptor SorLA, as well as on angiogenesis. The role of EPA and DHA metabolites on Alzheimer's disease pathology is under investigation. Recently, three randomized intervention studies, with duration up to 6 months have been reported. In contrast to a small study from Taiwan, no positive overall effects were reported from the Swedish OmegAD Study or from a Dutch study, although post hoc analyses indicate that selected individuals with mild forms of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline may respond to treatment. SUMMARY: No firm conclusions can be drawn. Based on epidemiological data, fish including oily fish could be advised as part of a balanced diet for public health purpose, although the evidence for better cognition is only fairly consistent. It is unlikely that n-3 FA will emerge as a treatment option in general for improving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. n-3 FA, especially DHA, may turn out as an adjuvant therapy in selected cases. Further long-term intervention studies on individuals with mild cognitive reductions are awaite"
Litchi is a fruit with amazing health benefits belongs to Sapindaceae family. It is grown in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world and found abundantly in the summer season. It was first originated in the Chinese regions of Guangdong and Fujian and has been started cultivating in the various countries of the world (India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Australia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mexico, Southern Africa and etc). It is very delicate and attractive smelling fruit which is usually eaten fresh. It is found in many types such as emperor lychee or biggest lychee, ohia lychee or litchi with little seed, Brewster lychee and etc.
Benefits of Litchi (Lychee) Fruit Juice
It is loaded with numerous healthy nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids and so many. It protects from various diseases, infections and skin problems by enhancing the immunity power. It contains polyphenols which helps in fighting with weight problems, liver damage and type-2 diabetes.
Some of its amazing health benefits are mentioned below:
Benefits of Litchi for Heart
Benefits of Litchi for Cancer
Benefits of Litchi for Digestive System
Benefits of Litchi for Bones, Teeth and Joints
Benefits of Litchi for Hair
Benefits of Litchi for Weight Loss
Benefits of Litchi for Aging
Benefits of Litchi for Women during Pregnancy
Benefits of Litchi for Kids
Benefits of Litchi for Men
Benefits of Litchi Seeds
Benefits of Litchi Juice of Skin
Nutrition Facts of Litchi Dash per 100 ml
Energy: 60 Kcal
Fat: 0 gm
Carbohydrate: 14.8 gm
Protein: 0 gm
Sugar: 12.5 g
Vitamins
Thiamine: 0.011 mg
Riboflavin: 0.065 mg
Niacin: 0.603 mg
Choline: 7.1 mg
Pyridoxine: 0.100 mg
Folates: 14 µg
Vitamin C: 71.5 mg
Vitamin E: 0.07 mg
Vitamin K: 0.4 µg
Minerals
Calcium: 5 mg
Copper: 0.148 mg
Iron: 0.31 mg
Magnesium: 10 mg
Manganese: 0.055 mg
Phosphorus: 31 mg
Selenium: 0.6 µg
Zinc: 0.07 mg
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms influence susceptibility to type 1 diabetes mellitus in the Taiwanese population.
Chang TJ, Lei HH, Yeh JI, Chiu KC, Lee KC, Chen MC, Tai TY, Chuang LM.
Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2000 May;52(5):575-80.
PMID: 10792336
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.2000.00985.x
CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms were associated with type 1 diabetes in a Taiwanese population. However, functional studies are needed to establish the role of the vitamin D receptor in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus.