Low Serum Levels of Selenium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 are Associated with an Increased Risk of Disability in Activities of Daily Living in Older Women – This study from the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that those older women over the age of 65 whose B12, B6 and selenium levels were low had a higher risk of disability than those with normal levels of these key nutrients. One quote from the study that seemed to sum up things best was, “Nutritional status is one of the key factors to be considered in the development of strategies aimed at preventing or delaying the disablement process.”
Drinking Green Tea May Improve Lipid Profile in Adults – In a study conducted in Portugal, green tea consumption was shown to lower LDL cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol and improve the total cholesterol to HDL ratio. This finding suggests that regular green tea consumption may be beneficial in lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Curcumin May Reverse Negative Effects of Chronic Stress – A Chinese study found that oral administration of circumin on laboratory rats reversed the effect of chronic stress. This study was a followup to other studies that showed this herb, which is a component of curry, is beneficial in treating depression and behavioral despair. So, for those of you who are under a lot of stress (who isn’t?) maybe a visit to the local Indian restaurant might help relax you. That or you can go down to the local health food store and get a bottle of circumin capsules.
High Dietary Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Reduce Depressive Symptoms in Older Men – This 10-year prospective cohort study found that higher dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. There are numerous studies that show the benefits of omega-3 supplementation on cardiovascular disease so the added benefits shown here are just another reason to start taking omega-3 supplements. One note of caution, just because a little bit is good (one to three grams a day) does not mean that more is better. I have seen numerous cases where people have taken too much omega-3 fatty acids and caused themselves to increase their oxidative markers which can lead to health problems down the road. Balance is more important than quantity.