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.com
There are a number of pros and cons for vitamin... Read More
In July of 1995, the United States Department of Agriculture... Read More
Is there an alternative to statin drugs such as Lipitor... Read More
Not many years ago the liquid vitamin supplement was unheard... Read More
Hormones are chemical messengers made up of amino acids and... Read More
Throughout my childhood I was aware of the importance of... Read More
Should I Take Vitamins With My Low Carb Diet?Most low... Read More
For years now we have heard that supplementing our diets... Read More
In September 2004 Orange County, California published an article "OC... Read More
We all know that vitamin C is one of the... Read More
There is a lot of confusion about weight loss supplementation,... Read More
Have you heard of the herbal supplement with the very... Read More
As I have become more involved in using functional nutritional... Read More
Although creatine offers an array of benefits, most people think... Read More
Researchers working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center state that... Read More
A lot of people take vitamins A, C, B and... Read More
There are so many different whey protein powder products on... Read More
Undoubtedly calcium has become a hot topic of controversy. We... Read More
I finally bought the stuff. I couldn't resist anymore. After... Read More
If you read my last article about bitter orange, it... Read More
For women, calcium is one of the most important nutrients... Read More
Nutrition Supplement ? nutrition.Nutrition supplement is a term familiar to... Read More
Vitamins is something people been using for a while and... Read More
This article will reveal one easy change you can make... Read More
Bovine Colostrum is the form of "milk" taken from dairy... Read More
Lincoln Stretch rentals Willowbrook ..For women, calcium is one of the most important nutrients... Read More
Whey protein is available in supplement form and whey protein... Read More
Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is responsible for numerous deaths in... Read More
Considering that the Health and Wellness industry is currently a... Read More
While America has given birth to the song "Young at... Read More
The Challenge of Free Radicals to Your BodyYour body is... Read More
Whey proteins drinks, especially shakes, are available in a variety... Read More
1. Most of the modern western diets contain way too... Read More
People accept arthritic disease as a 'natural part of the... Read More
The food is the raw material for the body. Minerals... Read More
I've been feeling a tired and slow lately. Just don't... Read More
Selenium is a type of trace mineral which supports healthy... Read More
Throughout my childhood I was aware of the importance of... Read More
The liquid vitamin mineral supplement is a must have for... Read More
The muscles of the body actually depend heavily on the... Read More
Hyaluronic acid is available in a variety of products ranging... Read More
A long time ago, in the country far, far away,... Read More
Looking for quality nutritional supplements can seem quite overwhelming at... Read More
Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body cannot produce... Read More
Vitamins, like minerals, are an essential part of the function... Read More
Vision is one of our most precious senses. Without it... Read More
Everyone has an occasional sleepless night, and this is not... Read More
Vitamins is something people been using for a while and... Read More
Discount Supplement ? what is it?Discount supplement is a term... Read More
Benefits of using Vitamin A products:Retinol is pure and active... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |