Fatty Acids Could Protect Against Parkinson?s

Both types of unsaturated fatty acids are contained within neuronal cell membranes and are known to have neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The researchers involved in the new study, published in Neurology (2005;64:2040-2045), wanted to build on this knowledge by determining whether a high intake of unsaturated fatty acids might be associated with a lower risk of Parkinson's disease.

Monounsaturated (MUFAs) fatty acids have been shown to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol when substituted for saturated fat. Sources of MUFAs include olive, canola oils, avocados, peanuts, nuts and seeds.

One of the main forms of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is omega-3, commonly derived from fish, which have been shown to deliver considerable benefits for cardiovascular health and cognitive function. Omega-6 is also essential for human health, found in grains, most plant-based oils, poultry, and eggs.

However the modern diet is more heavily weighted towards omega-6 consumption than omega-3, an imbalance that has led to the growing popularity of the latter in fortified and functional foods and in supplement form.

The new study may give further weight to arguments in favor of the Mediterranean diet, which typically consists of foods rich in both MUFAs and PUFAs since it is based as it is on olive oil, nuts, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. Three separate studies published this year have highlighted the heart health benefits of this diet, in lowering cholesterol levels, lowering the risk factors for heart disease and boosting longevity.

The new prospective population-based cohort study involved 5,289 people aged 55 or over, all of whom were free of dementia and Parkinson's disease at baseline.

At the start of the trial the participants underwent complete dietary assessment, and the incidence of Parkinson's disease was assessed through repeated in-person examination and continuous monitoring by computer linkage to medical records.

The mean duration of the study was six years, during which time 51 patients were diagnosed with Parkinson's. Higher intakes of total fat, MUFAs, and PUFAs were "significantly associated" with a lower risk of developing the disease, but no associations were found for dietary saturated fat, cholesterol, or trans-fat.

"These findings suggest that high intake of unsaturated fatty acids might protect against Parkinson's disease," concluded the researchers.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects around 6.3 million people worldwide. One in ten cases are diagnosed before the age of 50.

The cause is not understood but it is thought to result from the combined effects of factors including aging, genetic predisposition, and environmental exposures. Symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slow movement and poor coordination and balance.

A study published in the Archives of Neurology (59, pp 1541-1550) in 2002 linking coenzyme-Q10 to a slowing of the progressive disability caused by Parkinson's is thought to have been at least partly responsible for a surge in consumer demand for CoQ10, usually sourced from Japan, in the past three years. Prices are high, however, and supply is short, so the new research may present a viable alternative method of prevention.

A meta-analysis published in this month's issue of the Lancet Neurology (issue 4, pp362-5) underlines evidence that diets rich in vitamin E could also protect against the development of Parkinson's disease.

Mike Freije
http://www.health-shop.com
http://www.health-shop.info

---

Iron Mineral101

Iron is a mineral that is essential to the health... Read More

Physical Activity and Supplements Found to Increase HDL Cholesterol Levels

Much of what we hear and read in the media... Read More

Nutritional Supplement - The Good Food, Bad Food Myth

Will common sense ever prevail? We've all seen stories on... Read More

What Can Muscle Milk Do For Me?

As the name suggests, muscle milk is a supplement that... Read More

The Liquid Vitamin Mineral Supplement

The liquid vitamin mineral supplement is a must have for... Read More

Vitamin Supplement Ratings ? Proof Of Popularity

Vitamin supplement ratings quite clearly show just how popular nutritional... Read More

Beyond Macronutrients and the Importance of Vitamin Supplements

Most healthy eaters are familiar with the three macronutrients that... Read More

The Benefits of Protein Powders

I know protein is good for me, but do I... Read More

Truth About Omega 3

Since Dr Basant Puri, a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer... Read More

Fish Oil and Possible Disease Prevention

Researchers working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center state that... Read More

Increasing overall Health with Nutritional Supplements

"But I eat healthy," you might say. That may be... Read More

Glyconutrients - The Next Major Health Breakthrough

Did you know?· 20% of Australian children reported symptoms of... Read More

Mangosteen

Rarely has a fruit that has been so unknown to... Read More

The Science Behind Phytonutrient Rich Soy Based Products

A healthier diet is very much in the news these... Read More

Supplements and Vitamins - Can They Enhance Your Weight Loss Goals?

Nutritional supplements can play a key role in the health... Read More

Vitamin Nutritional Supplements: Tips, Myths, Facts, and Online Store!

With dietary supplements making their way in our daily life,... Read More

Zma Fuel

Zma is a unique combination of vitamins and minerals that... Read More

Omega 3 Fish Oil EPA and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Since the release of a book called" beat chronic fatigue... Read More

Introduing Supplements to Your Body & Improving Your Diet - A Guide of What to Expect

Part 1:A "better nutritional program" means the introduction of foods... Read More

Best Vitamins to Help Keep You Fit at Forty Plus

Our bodies change as we age, and to remain vigorous,... Read More

Appreciating the Importance of Folic Acid

Folic acid is actually just one of the many vitamins... Read More

Treatment of Heart Disease with Coenzyme Q10

Since its discovery in the late 1950â??s Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)... Read More

Nutritional Nutrients

Nutrients form the basis for your body, emotional and spiritual... Read More

Is Vitamin E Lethal?

Recently the news carried the story that a researcher had... Read More

Anabolic Steroids and Will They Work for Me?

Unfortunately nobody can tell that question over the internet, but... Read More

Puranol SL - New Weight Loss Product Extraordinaire - Maybe

Before you read the rest of this article I want... Read More

Eight Glyconutrients

Glyconutrients- the latest development in the health industry. What are... Read More

Creatine, Caffeine, and Carbohydrates - Supplements That Work

It would seem that everyone is looking to squeeze the... Read More

The History of Hyaluronic Acid Treatments

While HA has dramatically increased in popularity and use within... Read More

What are Glyconutrients?

Simply stated, the Greek word glyco refers to "sweet." Hence,... Read More

Increase Your Production Of Nitric Oxide

What Is Nitric Oxide (NO)?Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by... Read More

Acid Amino Arginine ? An Acid With Many Benefits

When you buy acid amino arginine you can look forward... Read More

The Cholesterol Solution

Is there an alternative to statin drugs such as Lipitor... Read More