Flavonoid-rich cocoa found healthy for the brain

By studying differences in people living on and off the group of islands called Kuna, researchers found that people who regularly drank cocoa rich in flavonoids had less chance of having dementia, diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes.

Researchers from Harvard Medical School (Boston, Massachusetts, United States) found that native people living on the island group Kuna, off the Caribbean coast of Panama in Central America, did not have high blood pressure when young and old. However, if these natives left their homeland for the Central American mainland, their blood pressure went up.

After about fifteen years of research to find a cause for this difference, the researchers found that Kuna natives drink several cups of cocoa each day. However, if they move away from Kuna, then that habit did not continue or did not continue in exactly the same way.

The researchers eventually found the crucial link. They discovered that cocoa drank by Kuna natives is very high in the compounds called flavonoids, while the cocoa drank on the mainland is not rich in flavonoids.

Derived from plants, flavonoids is a class of secondary metabolites that have been shown in previous studies to improve the body’s response when attacked by carcinogens, allergens, and viruses.

If proven true, flavonoids have the potential to help prevent cancers and cardiovascular diseases. (Other foods and drinks shown to contain flavonoid compounds include fruit, vegetables, tea, and red wine.)

Because flavonid compounds have a bitter taste, they are often removed from cocoa made by manufacturers in large quantities in most countries.

To confirm their findings, the researchers gave flavonoid-rich cocoa to 50-year-old and older people, while another group of the same age range was given cocoa without flavonoids. Their study found that the flavonoid-rich group had blood flow in the brain that was 10 to 15% better than the brain flow in the non-flavonoid group.

Within their study, the collaborators mention that some chocolate and cocoa manufacturers are beginning to realize the health benefits of flavonoids. As a result, they are reintroducing them into their products.

Note: I intend to do some research of my own to identify some
manufacturers who are selling chocolate and cocoa containing
flavonoids and report that information back to the readers
of this blog.

Fran

Brain Function Boosted by Chocolate?

Reuters - 02/18/07
By Julie Steenhuysen

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - As if people needed another excuse to like chocolate, new studies suggest a specially formulated type of cocoa may boost brain function and delay decline as people age, researchers said on Sunday.

Scientists, speaking at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in San Francisco, presented results from early studies testing the effects on the brain of flavanols, an ingredient found in cocoa.

Funded by candy maker Mars Inc., which provided a specially formulated liquid cocoa concoction for the research, the studies suggest that flavanols increase blood flow to the brain and may hold promise for treating some vascular impairments.

Mars, a private company, has made a study of the health benefits of cocoa. Its CocoaVia line of chocolates, made with a process that retains flavanols, have been shown in clinical trials to have benefits for the heart.

The latest research also suggests benefits for the brain.

Ian Macdonald of Britain's University of Nottingham Medical School, conducted a small brain imaging study on young, healthy women to see whether flavanol-rich cocoa helped boost cognitive function during challenging mental tasks.

Although the beverage did not improve their performance on the tests, it did increase blood flow to their brains for a two to three-hour period, Macdonald said.

He believes more research might show that increased blood flow could benefit older adults and those who have cognitive impairments, such as fatigue or even mini-strokes.

A U.S. study of healthy adults over 50 also found a marked rise in blood flow. It was conducted by Harvard Medical School researcher Dr. Norman Hollenberg, who has studied the effects of cocoa and flavanols on Panama's Kuna Indian population.

Hollenberg believes that, while promising, the brain benefit needs to be verified.

"The only way we can prove something is working is a large clinical trial," he said.

Meanwhile, the researchers cautioned against rushing out to binge on the special Mars line of chocolates.

"It is a modest calorie load but it is a calorie load," Macdonald said. "As long as you are doing something to earn that 100 calories, then that's fine."

Kids Don’t Work Out, They Play
By: Ainsley Laing MSc

The other day, I was working out to music in my living room when my 8 year old daughter and two of her friends came in. Naturally, questions followed: what am I doing, why am I doing it, etc. After a while, the three of them joined in.

Of course, kids being kids, my workout soon expanded into a free movement and dance session. The sound levels increased with lots of laughter and squeals. After a while, the festive atmosphere was too attractive even for a grown up friend of mine to resist and she joined in. What started as a workout became a party!

Kids have such an amazing way of moving just to move which we adults sometimes forget how to do. With a few exceptions (obesity, physical disability etc) kids don’t need organized workouts, personal trainers, posh workout clothes or equipment to get them moving.

Have you ever watched children playing on a playground? Now that’s a tough work out! They move, run, jump, tumble down and get up again over and over. They move because moving feels good, not because they “have to” or “need to” exercise.

Most of us adults did a fair number of physical activities involving free play when we were young. How many of those activities do we do now? If not, why not? The common phrase I hear from adults (I have heard myself say this) is “I used to be able to do that, but now I am too old”.

Honestly, is being too old a valid reason or just an excuse to allow ourselves not to do something? Personally, when I say “I am too old to do that”, I really mean I am afraid of hurting myself. I know I was afraid of getting hurt as a kid too. What did I say back then? Certainly not “I am too old”. I would have said, I am afraid of hurting myself…then I would give it a try – again and again.

This idea of giving up things as we become “too old” seems to be a self-fulfilling prophesy. Stopping activities because we are too old means becoming more sedentary and hence less excited about daily life…just plain old. To quote Barbara Morris, author of “Put Old on Hold”: Who decides when you are old? You Do!

Ok, ok, of course, many of you reading this would disagree. But more and more people are saying ”I am not going to stop doing activities that I did when I was younger”. Stopping is just not an option for these determined and vibrant people. Of course, because of past injuries, safety issues or whatnot, the way of doing the activities might have to be modified.

Back to the free play idea…free play is about learning. Learning keeps us young. This is true for our bodies as well as our brains. Our bodies learn with use or unlearn with disuse. If we are doing the same activity over and over, our bodies will learn to do those things very well and will unlearn those things that we don’t do anymore. Likewise, our bodies will learn to do new things that we take up.

We fitness trainers convey this notion to clients as a “practical explanation” that there is a need to do a variety of activities to keep from hitting a fitness plateau and losing motivation – often referred to as cross training.

It would be very difficult to convince adults that they need to go to the playground and just play like a kid, so we apply lots of science and logic to the argument. But free play is the message. New experiences, challenges and fun keep us young.

As an example, my current partner, a 40-something fitness buff, recently decided that he wanted to take up something completely new for his body, Kung Fu. After the first lesson he said that he was really sore and said he felt injured because “the guy really did hit me hard”.

I thought for sure he wouldn’t continue. The next day he was buying special Kung Fu shoes with great enthusiasm. Hmm …like a kid on the playground ... he tries, gets hurt and tries again. Why? Because he is doing it - FOR FUN.

Although, doing the same activities over and over is a comfortable routine, getting out of the comfort zone expands us physically, mentally and spiritually. How to get out of the comfort zone? Play like a kid!

Article Source: http://www.bodyformind.com/db
About the Author: Ainsley Laing, MSc. has been a Fitness Trainer for 25 years and writes exclusively Body for Mind eZine. She holds certifications in Group Exercise, Sports Nutrition and Personal Fitness Training.
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Natural Memory Boosting Remedies

We would all love to be able to remember things better. Whether you’re a student studying for a test or an adult who’s becoming more forgetful, you’re probably looking for something to boost your memory.

The best way to optimize your memory is to eat right and exercise (your brain and your body),
but it you find this isn’t helping enough, there are safe, natural foods and supplements that will help give your memory the boost you’re looking for.

Here are some important nutrients and supplements that will help boost your memory along with other great side effects.

* Choline. This is the main nutrient required in the production of acetocholine, the most essential chemical in retaining memories. Choline can be found in fish(particularly anchovies), eggs, liver, soy, and various nuts.

* DMAE. This is easily absorbed into the brain and also aids in the production of acetylcholine. It can be found in sardines and anchovies, but most people prefer taking a supplement. Be sure to take it in the morning, as it can cause insomnia.

* Vitamins. Getting enough of the B vitamins and vitamin C are essential for the production proper brain function. B vitamins have even been shown to raise scores on IQ tests.

* Pyroglutamate. This is an essential amino acid that can be used to improve memory, concentration, coordination, and reaction time.
It improves reception of neurotransmitters and aids in the production of acetylcholine. It is found in dairy products, fish, fruit, and vegetables.

* Phosphatidylserine. This chemical has not only been shown to improve memory, but also has beneficial effectson concentration, mood, and resistance to stress.
While you can get this nutrient from your diet, you’d probably be more comfortable taking a supplement.

* Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These “good fats” can be found in fish, including: tuna, salmon, and mackerel. They can also be found in certain nuts and oils. Those supplements increase the amount of acetylcholine and serotonin in the body thereby improving memory and mood.

* Ginko Biloba. This is used to improve circulation, increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Ginko is said to improve memory and give you an energy boost. It has been shown to help memory loss from normal aging. Be careful how much you take, it can have side effects due to its blood thinning properties.

* Vinpocetine. This supplement is derived from the periwinkle plant and increases circulation. It has been proven to improve decision making and problem solving skills.

* Carnitine. This is an essential amino acid that improves memory and brain function and mood; it also has antioxidant properties. Acetyl-L-carnitine is essential in the production of acetylcholine.

* Glutamine. Another important amino acid for brain function. Along with the improved brain function, glutamine is an energy booster that can help you break your addictions to stimulants. It also helps balance neurotransmitters and blood sugar levels.

Getting one or two of these nutrients can help you feel better and improve your memory, but if you want to have optimal functioning of your brain, it’s best to get as many appropriate amounts of each of these nutrients from diet and supplements if you can.

Note: The claims made in this article are based on the known characteristics of the products that are described. Results can vary with each individual.

More about boosting your mental abilities!

Fran