Two Supplements You ABSOLUTELY Must Take
MUST TAKE SUPPLEMENT #1 – FISH OIL
We’ve reported to you on several occasions that diets high in omega-3-rich fish oils help thwart the build-up of “plaques” in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease, in animal studies. Now we know why.
UCLA researchers report that DHA, found in fish oil, increases the production of LR11, a protein that is known to destroy the “plaques” associated with the disease. People with Alzheimer’s don’t have as much of this protein.
Plaques are deposits of a protein called beta amyloid that are thought to be toxic to neurons in the brain, leading to Alzheimer’s. Since having high levels of LR11 prevents the toxic plaques from being made, it’s surmised that low levels may be a factor in causing the disease. (Ma, QL, et al. J Neurosci. 2007 Dec 26;27(52):14299-307.)
If that’s not enough to put fish oil on your list of “must haves,” consider this: Another study has found that DHA helps to protect brain cells from the neurotoxins that increase your risk for Parkinson’s disease. These include the industrial degreaser trichloroethylene (TCE), found in drinking water near sites where it’s been used. (Bousquet, M., FASEB Jo, Nov. 21, 2007 online edition.)
Research suggests that protective blood levels of DHA can be reached by getting 180 mg a day from fish oil.
MUST TAKE SUPPLEMENT #2 – GREEN TEA EXTRACT
For maximum brain protection, you’ll also want to take green tea extract, with the powerful antioxidant, EGCG. Studies show that EGCG can decrease plaque build-up in Alzheimer’s disease, raise blood levels of a neurochemical, dopamine, which is low in Parkinson’s disease, bind with iron (which can act as an oxidant and harm brain cells) and block several other pathways that cause brain function to deteriorate.Some research even suggests that the chemicals in green tea may help cells repair themselves once they’ve been damaged, according to Israeli researcher Sylvia Mandel, Ph.D., an expert in the chemistry of green tea. Amounts used in these studies were comparable to 3 or 4 cups of green tea. To ensure that you are getting sufficient amounts of EGCG, we recommend taking at least 450 mg of a green tea extract standardized to at least 70% EGCG on a daily basis in addition to drinking green tea.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 1 in 8 Americans over the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging and can be prevented. Act now to protect your brain from neuro-degenerative disease. If you don’t take fish oil and green tea, you may be taking an unnecessary risk.
