Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid naturally found in various microorganisms, such as freshwater algae (Haematococcus pluvialis), the yeast fungus Xanthophyllocyces dendrorhous (also known as Phaffia), salmon, trout, krill, shrimp and crayfish. Xanthophylls are a class of oxygen-containing carotenoid pigments responsible for the color of many of the yellow, orange and red hues of flowers, fruits, vegetables, egg yolks and … Continue reading Astaxanthin: The most powerful antioxidant from Mother Nature
Study: Choline helps improve cognitive performance in the elderly
Having healthy habits, such as following a balanced diet and exercising, is key to maintaining good health. This is especially true as you age. Research suggests that the essential nutrient choline has a crucial role in brain development and cognitive function. Many experts believe that this vitamin-like nutrient helps preserve healthy cognitive function. But according to a study published … Continue reading Study: Choline helps improve cognitive performance in the elderly
Lifetime exposure to lead linked to greater dementia risk
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggests that lead might play a role in the development of dementia. Researchers from the University of Toronto (U of T) reported this after finding a link between lifetime lead exposure and greater dementia risk. In particular, they found that dementia cases decreased as the use of lead declined over the past several … Continue reading Lifetime exposure to lead linked to greater dementia risk
Study: Supplementing with omega-3s found to promote brain health in patients with coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease in the United States. It occurs when plaque builds up inside the walls of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Because plaque buildup reduces blood flow to the brain, many researchers consider coronary heart disease as a risk factor for dementia. Therefore, it is … Continue reading Study: Supplementing with omega-3s found to promote brain health in patients with coronary heart disease
Flame retardants, pesticides now leading risk factors for IQ loss
A study in the journal Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology found that exposure to flame retardants and pesticides is now the leading contributor to IQ loss. The study, which was published in February last year, also showed that exposure to heavy metals decreased over the past 16 years. A team led by New York University (NYU) researchers arrived at these findings after analyzing data from the National … Continue reading Flame retardants, pesticides now leading risk factors for IQ loss
Intermittent fasting is key to a “healthy lifestyle,” experts suggest
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It is said to promote weight loss, lower blood pressure and boost brain health, among others. But what does science actually say about intermittent fasting? In a review published in The New England Journal of Medicine, neuroscientist Mark Mattson of Johns Hopkins Medicine and aging specialist Rafael de … Continue reading Intermittent fasting is key to a “healthy lifestyle,” experts suggest
Food for the brain: Review examines the link between diet and mental health
A review published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology shows that a person’s diet can improve or worsen his mental health, depending on the quality of the foods that he eats. European researchers arrived at this conclusion after reviewing past studies that examined the potential link between nutrition and mental health. The researchers found strong evidence that the Mediterranean diet, which is … Continue reading Food for the brain: Review examines the link between diet and mental health
Study: Fire retardant used in furniture and insulation linked to antisocial behavior
A study published in the journal Environmental Health shows that commonly used fire retardants may increase children’s risk of antisocial behavior. Researchers from Oregon State University and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that children with higher levels of exposure to certain types of flame retardants are more likely to exhibit antisocial behaviors like aggression, defiance, hyperactivity, inattention and … Continue reading Study: Fire retardant used in furniture and insulation linked to antisocial behavior
Study: Inflammation may be linked to “brain fog”
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Amsterdam have found strong evidence linking inflammation to “brain fog,” a type of cognitive dysfunction commonly described as mental sluggishness. In their study published in the journal Neuroimage, the researchers explained that a cognitive process responsible for alertness is particularly affected shortly after inoculation with a vaccine that causes temporary inflammation. In turn, this effect … Continue reading Study: Inflammation may be linked to “brain fog”
Health benefits and conditions improved by supplementing with CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a chemical that your body produces naturally. It plays an important role in DNA replication and repair, as well as energy production. In order to use CoQ10, your cells convert its inactive form, ubiquinone, into its active form, ubiquinol. However, as you age and are exposed to various pollutants (including medications such as statins), the … Continue reading Health benefits and conditions improved by supplementing with CoQ10
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 