The Latest Breaking News in Nutrition Research: Here are natural compounds that can be integrated with traditional medicines and approaches for health benefits.

Topic 1: Broccoli as a Breast Cancer Fighter?

Exciting new research in the Clinical Cancer Research Journal looked at an extract found in broccoli, sulforaphane, and its effect on breast cancer cells. The study, conducted in animals, found that it targeted and killed cancer stem cells. A variety of cancers are driven and sustained by a small proportion of these stem cells. Breast cancer, one of them, strikes 100,000 women a year.

Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks healthy cells as well as cancer cells, the natural compound sulforaphane only affects the cancer cells. It has a blocking effect against the cancer and its formation and growth. There have been hints of this for several years, but this is a very promising new development in the potential for a natural compound to help in the fight against cancer.

The class of foods contain sulforaphane include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. It may be difficult to eat enough of these foods to get the recommended amount, but he compound has been isolated in an extract that can be put into a capsule at a high concentration.

Topic 2: Resveratrol (Minute 17)

A study now out in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that resveratrol may improve blood flow in the brain, and potentially boost brain health. “It provides the first indication in humans that resveratrol may be able to modulate cerebral blood flow variables.” This has huge implications for potential protection against Alzheimer’s Disease and other brain disorders.

Interest in resveratrol has been high since it was found to have increased the lifespan of certain plant cells. It was found to be attributed to its effect on the SIRT-1 gene, which is linked to increased longevity. Since then, resveratrol has been associated with a number of other benefits, including heart health, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects, anti-diabetes potential, and energy enhancements.

Resveratrol, a polyphenol comes from grapes, which secrete resveratrol to ward off fungus. You can get it from drinking purple grape juice, but with all juices, you should limit it to 6 ounces a day. Resveratrol can also be found as an extract in a capsule or multi-vitamin form.

Topic 3: The Brain and Memory (Minute 29:30)

As we get older, we start to forget things – a very common problem called age-related memory loss. But there is another class of memory loss, such as dementia and Alzheimer’ Disease. 50% of people 85 and older have Alzheimer’s Disease, and as more people live to be in their 80’s and older, it will be a growing concern.

There are several natural things in the plant kingdom that have been used for centuries to deal with memory problems.

• Huperzine A – a compound from club moss that works on acetylcholine (the “memory” molecule). Huperzine A has been shown to increase mental focus and sharpness, and concentration. In one study on early stage Alzheimer’s patients, 60% had an improvement in memory, thinking and behavior.
• Vinpocetine – from the periwinkle plant can dilate the blood vessels in the brain and increase the blood flow in the brain. It has been studied in more than 100 clinical trials and found to be beneficial for memory, absentmindedness, concentration and confusion.
• Phosphatidylserine (PS) –comes from the soybean plant and is also made by the human body. It has been called a brain booster for all ages. It has been researched a great deal and found to the most impressive among hundreds of compounds studied for memory loss. PS has been shown to improve a failing memory and learning ability, specifically improving the remembering of names, faces and phone numbers. One study showed that it took 12 years off the expected normal mental decline that people experience as they get older. PS has also shown promise in slowing down the progression in early stage Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Ginkgo – one of the oldest species of trees on earth, has been the subject of hundreds of studies. Chemicals in the leaf have been identified that enhance blood and oxygen flow to the brain. It has been documented to give a boost to aging brains, including age-related memory loss, absentmindedness, lack of concentration. It works as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and increases nerve cell activity and glucose in the brain.

We have created a formulation, Memory & Mental Support, that includes these natural compounds that can hopefully have a beneficial effect for you.