Study Finds Green Tea may Heal Neurodegenerative Conditions like Alzheimer’s
University of Southern California, March 27, 2022
According to the research recently published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, green tea catechins may be able to assist the brain in healing, potentially even assisting in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. Specifically, the study sought to investigat...
Study Finds Green Tea may Heal Neurodegenerative Conditions like Alzheimer’s
University of Southern California, March 27, 2022
According to the research recently published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, green tea catechins may be able to assist the brain in healing, potentially even assisting in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. Specifically, the study sought to investigate how catechins from green tea may work to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), or the activity of a nerve growth factor that is essential for the “growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. It’s believed catechins are able to increase BDNF and as such are a method worth researching further for the treatment and prevention of neurodegeneration. But the researchers acknowledge that only a small amount of EGCG (the active component of green tea polyphenols) is able to reach the brain, indicating the need for greater research into just how much EGCG is needed to make a notable difference.
(NEXT)
Green Mediterranean diet could be a ‘win-win’ for health and the planet
People who eat a traditional Mediterranean diet have lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. But new research suggests that a “green” Mediterranean diet — which avoids all meat and provides extra greens — may be even better for human health. If the diet catches on, the benefits for planetary health could be equally impressive.
Ben Gurion University (Israel) and Harvard University, March 26, 2022
ResearchTrusted Source notes that global production of animal-based foods — including livestock feed — accounts for 57% of total greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, whereas production of plant-based foods accounts for only 29%. Another study estimates that if everyone became vegan, this would reduce the amount of land worldwide that farmers need to grow food by 3.1 billion hectares or 76%. A series of clinical trials now suggests that eating a “green” Mediterranean diet, or green Med diet, may provide additional benefits on top of those provided by the regular Mediterranean diet. The diet, which adds extra plant foods rich in polyphenols and aims to avoid meat completely, is also better for the planet.
(NEXT)
Use of antibiotics by women in midlife linked to later cognitive decline
Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, March 24, 2022
A team of researchers has found a link between the use of antibiotics by middle-aged women and cognitive decline later in life. Prior research has suggested that there is a connection between gut microbiome health and mental health—communication between the gut and the central nervous system has been labeled the gut-brain axis. And some studies have shown an apparent link between problems in the gut and mental diseases, such as depression and schizophrenia. Prior research has also shown that antibiotics use can lead to serious disruptions in the microbiome. This is not surprising, since the microbiome is made up partly of bacteria. In this new effort, the researchers found a link between antibiotics use by women during middle age and a larger than normal degree of cognitive decline. They analyzed data from 15,129 female nurses describing antibiotics use and the results of cognitive scores collected several years later, comparing those who took antibiotics over different duration periods with those who did not.
(NEXT)
More than a gut feeling: Bilberries are good for gastrointestinal and overall health
University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland, March 27, 2022
According to experiments based out of University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland, eating bilberries can lessen the effects of these diseases by reducing inflammation and providing overall gastrointestinal relief. In the experiment, mice were given dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to induce colon inflammation which led to colitis. They were then broken into groups where each one was given meals with varying percentages of dried bilberries or anthocyanins (a water-soluble flavonoid) from bilberries. The results? "Highly positive effects" in both chronic and acute forms of the disease were noted in each case. There were even instances where full recoveries were observed. According to the scientists, "Oral administration of bilberries during acute DSS-induced colitis ameliorated disease severity.... Dried bilberries also improved chronic DSS-colitis." While these results were promising, it was noted that additional research should be taken to further study the effects of bilberry in helping people suffering from IBD.
