Two compounds in coffee linked to protection against Parkinson’s
It is thought that, in addition to caffeine, there may be other compounds in coffee that help slow the process of brain degeneration. The research, as reported in EurekaAlert!, suggests that caffeine and Eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide (EHT), a fatty acid derivative of the neurotransmitter serotonin found the coffee bean’s waxy coating, combined could have a significant positive effect.
Lead author M. Maral Mouradian said of the research, “EHT is a compound found in various types of coffee but the amount varies. It is important that the appropriate amount and ratio be determined so people don't over-caffeinate themselves, as that can have negative health consequences.”
Role of vitamins in healthy ageing is overlooked
A recent article has argued that the role of vitamins in healthy ageing is too frequently overlooked. Speaking to NutraIngredients-USADr Bruce Ames said that in addition to “keeping physically fit” people should consider their vitamin and mineral intake in order to remain healthy as they age.
The article highlighted that nutrient deficiencies are prevalent around the world and we should be taking greater care to ensure we reach the right levels to fight off age-related ailments.
Could women benefit from a low salt diet more than men?
Researchers at Augusta University have found that females could benefit more from a low salt diet than men. The reason behind this has been pinpointed as being related to the hormone aldosterone, which acts as a blood vessel constrictor. One of the functions of aldosterone is to increase sodium and fluid retention by the kidneys and there is supposed to be an effect that, when we consume too much salt, aldosterone levels go down so we don’t retain too much salt. While this appears to be the case in men, the levels of aldosterone in women do not appear to decrease as much, which can lead to higher salt retention and the health problems that come with it.
Females naturally have higher levels of aldosterone and a high-salt diet can also elevate aldosterone levels. As reported in Science Daily, the researchers isolated the problem to the aldosterone levels as the kidneys excreted more sodium in both sexes when they consumed more salt. The problem, instead, appears to arise where the higher levels of aldosterone in women seem to impair the ability of the blood vessels to relax.
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Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.