Pycnogenol Improves Mental Performance in Older Adults?

December 22, 2015 | Brain Health, ScienceBy Michael Crane

Photo © iStockphoto.com/Marek Mnich

French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol may be able to boost daily mental performance in adults aged 55—70, according to a new study.

Researchers at Chieti-Pescara University in Italy found that subjects who consumed Pycnogenol supplements daily for 12 months showed significant improvements in daily decision-making and memory when compared to a control group, as well as measurable improvements in attention span, ability to deal with people, and ability to manage finances.

Study participants were “generally fit and followed a healthy lifestyle, but had high levels of oxidative stress,” according to Pycnogenol distributor Horphag Research (Hoboken, New Jersey). In addition to its effects on cognitive function, Pycnogenol also was found to significantly decrease levels of oxidative stress, reported researchers.

The study, published in the Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences, builds on previous research indicating Pycnogenol may be effective at improving certain aspects of cognitive function, according to Gianni Belcaro, PhD, lead researcher of the study.

“We continue to see a significant performance with Pycnogenol in reducing oxidative stress and how that factors into improving overall cognitive function,” says Belcaro. “This research adds to a body of science for Pycnogenol, demonstrating its benefits for adults, ages 55 and older.”

Study Details

Of the 77 participants included in the study, 38 consumed 50 mg of Pycnogenol twice daily in combination with a controlled health plan, while the remaining 39 participants followed the controlled health plan alone. The health plan included balanced meals with reduce caffeine, salt, and sugar intake, as well as regular exercise and a sleep regimen of at least eight hours per night.

The study lasted 12 months, with researchers comparing results of questionnaires and tests conducted at the study’s outset and conclusion. Researchers evaluated participant cognitive function with an Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the elderly (IQ Code), cognitive function, daily tasks, oxidative stress and the short Blessed tests.  

After 12 months of daily supplementation with Pycnogenol, participants in the experimental group experienced:

·      A significant 72% improvement in daily decision-making, compared to a 5% decrease in the control group

·      A measurable 41.2% improvement in attention span, compared to a 1.9% improvement in the control group

·      A significant 37.3% improvement in memory, compared to a 9.8% decrease in the control group

·      A 57% increase in “ability to deal with people,” compared to a 5% decrease in the control group

·      A 32% increase in “ability to manage finances,” compared to a 12% decrease in the control group

·      A significant 28% decrease in oxidative stress, compared to no significant variation in the control group

Researchers concluded, “Pycnogenol supplementation for 12 months appears to improve cognitive function and oxidative stress in normal subjects between 55 and 70 years of age.”

Pycnogenol is the key ingredient in OPC-3 which contains 25mg of Pycnogenol per serving and is the only liquid form of the supplement available.

- See more at: http://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/brain-health/pycnogenol-improves-mental-performance-older-adults#sthash.oY2F0dxX.dpuf

The Link Between Gut Bacteria And Your Kid's Behavior Just Got Stronger

Gut A Funny Feeling?

Ohio State University researchers have found that gut bacteria affect a toddler's temperament. After examining the stool samples of 77 kids aged 18-27 months, the researchers concluded that it was time to step outside and get some fresh air. They also concluded that mood, curiosity, sociability, impulsivity, and — in boys — extroversion were linked to more genetically diverse bacterial species.

Gut bacteria is having a moment lately, even receiving the Very Important Story treatment recently in the New York Times. The paper of record takes a deep dive into research that increasingly suggests the microorganisms swimming around your pipes not only digest food and fight disease, they secrete mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA.

"There is definitely communication between bacteria in the gut and the brain, but we don't know which one starts the conversation," says the OSU study's co-author Dr. Michael Bailey. "Maybe kids who are more outgoing have fewer stress hormones impacting their gut than shy kids. Or maybe the bacteria are helping mitigate the production of stress hormones when the child encounters something new. It could be a combination of both."

Gastrointestinal abnormalities have been linked to "anxiety, depression, and several pediatric disorders, including autism and hyperactivity," the Times reports. Research like that from OSU is focused on how the mood-regulating chemicals get from the gut to the brain, and how that process might be involved in chronic disease. But the implications could be way more pedestrian: Is there a dietary cure for looney toddlers?

"It is possible that effects of diet would emerge if we used a more detailed assessment," says Bailey's co-author, Dr. Lisa Christian. "It is certainly possible that the types or quantities of food that children with different temperaments choose to eat affect their microbiome."

Luckily there is a line of scientifically tested and doctor approved of dietary supplements just for kids aimed at gut health!  My own children have had dramatic success using DNA Miracles OPC-3 Chews, Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics, so much so that I am now a distributor of the products working with physicians to bring them to their patients!  Try them now and receive 10% Off by using THIS LINK and the coupon code: 10offMA at checkout.

Source: Fatherly.com

Acai Berry: Cure For Leukemia

Many people are fully aware that the Acai Berry is rich in antioxidants, but The Food World News reported that scientists at the University of Florida have discovered that the Acai Berry can even help fight leukemia.  

The demonstration and study of the berry has been a very surprising discovery.  It was confirmed by the Agricultural and food Institute of Florida that the extract of the Acai Berry has been proven to be effective it is on cancer cells which is unaffected by other treatments or therapies. When the juice from the berry was tested with leukemia, almost 86% of the cells had self destructed.

Read the entire article on Food World News.

To research other health benefits of Acai Berry extract click here.

32 Signs That You Have a Magnesium Deficiency

1. Anxiety
2. Seizures
3. Dizziness
4. Confusion
5. Cystitis
6. Memory loss
7. Potassium deficiency: may cause extreme thirst, fluid retention, and irritability
8. Muscle cramps
9. Migraines
10. Heart issues
11. Hypertension
12. Depression
13. Blood clots
14. Difficulty swallowing
15. Asthma
16. Liver and kidney disease
17. High blood pressure
18. Calcium deficiency
19. Bowel disease
20. Tremors
21. Osteoporosis
22. Constipation
23. Fatigue
24. Type II diabetes
25. Respiratory difficulties
26. Nausea
27. Fertility/childbearing issues: Getting or staying pregnant, preeclampsia, preterm labor
28. Insomnia
29. Tooth decay
30. Raynaud’s syndrome: may cause cold fingers or toes, color changes in skin due to temperature           changes, and numbness in extremities
31. Personality changes: often similar to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders
32. Hypoglycemia

How to Fix This Problem Now

If you don’t get enough magnesium every day, you’re doing your body a big disservice. This mineral is used in over 300 bodily processes and chemical reactions, so not getting enough may be severely hindering your health and your body’s potential.

Adding more magnesium-rich foods to your diet, such as those listed above, can help you increase your levels. Even if you try to get a variety of foods every day, though, you may still find that you can’t hit your recommended daily value.

That’s where supplementation comes in. You’ve got to pick a supplement that is good for your body. Many supplements have fillers like wheat, dairy, gluten, and sugar, none of which belong in a nutritional supplement.  Many people have had success using Isotonix Magensium which has no binders or fillers - it's a powder you mix with water and drink! And it's GMO free!

If you'd like to try it for yourself at 10% off click this link and use promo code 10offMA

Super Simple & Yummy Mashed Cauliflower

As you probably know by now, I follow the TLS Weight Loss Program.  And most of the time, I really don't miss eating grains.  But once the leaves start to fall off the trees and the temps dip below 50 my family wants spaghetti and meatballs!!!

I've gotten used having to cook "my food" and "their food" but sometimes I just want join the family and dive into a bowl of my home-made meatballs.  It's a recipe I made up myself and I don't know how much of each ingredient I use, but they are delicious every time.

I've tried all sorts of ways to trick myself into not missing the pasta - and before you say "Spaghetti Squash" let me tell you two things... #1 it doesn't taste like pasta and #2 It's not on my list of approved foods (too starchy).  Well, I think I finally found it!  Mashed Cauliflower!!!  It's so creamy and cheesy it felt like a was cheating with each bite, but I wasn't!

Here's  the "recipe" but honestly I never measure anything...

1 bag of frozen cauliflower

Low Fat Parmesan Cheese (the grated kind in the round container with the shaky top)

Unsweetened Coconut Milk

That's it...  3 ingredients!

• I microwaved the bag of cauliflower as per the instructions on the bag
• Threw it in the Ninja (aka food processor/blender) and blended until smooth 
• Poured in a tablespoon or two of Coconut Milk, just to get it creamy
• Put the mixture in a bowl and mixed in some "shaky cheese" (that's what my kids call it).  If I had to guess how much cheese, I'd say 1/4 cup maybe

I used about 1/2 of it under two meatballs and sauce and OMG it was HEAVENLY!  

You could add garlic, salt and pepper but since those were all in my meatballs I opted not to, but if you used this as a substitute for mashed potatoes (which is what people usually do) I think you may need at least some garlic & chives.

I hope you enjoy the Super Simple Mashed Cauliflower as much as I did and if you are also following TLS this recipe falls within the Rapid Results meal plan guidelines.

How'd You Like to lose 5 to 15lbs by Thanksgiving?

I started my TLS Weight Loss journey at the end of June.  Since then I have done the 21 Day Challenge twice and lost over 30lbs.

Not only am I looking better, but I'm FEELING BETTER!  I no longer have high blood pressure and my self-confidence is so much better than when I was hiding behind all that fat.

My doctor is thrilled with my progress and is so impressed with the TLS 21 Day Challenge that she want to start carrying it in her office!  How's that for an unsolicited endorsement?

So, here's the deal for anyone who wants to take this amazing TLS trip with me!  I will host a private facebook support group for us and Coach everyone FOR FREE!  

Just so you know, I have taken the TLS Coaches two-day training and have the tools to help people lose weight like I did.

To join my TLS 21 Day Challenge Group you need to do 2 things...

1.  Friend me on facebook

2.  Purchase the 21-Day Challenge for $149.95 using THIS LINK

If you have any questions feel free to email me!

Bacon Just Deemed as Bad for your Health as Cigarettes!

In breaking news, the World Health Organisation is about to announce that processed meats, including bacon, sausages and even high amounts of red meat, are just as bad for us as asbestos and cigarettes!

It comes on the heels of a meeting of scientists from ten different countries that reviewed a broad array of data. A representative for the organization declined to comment, saying the WHO's full report would be available today, but we are still awaiting the news.

The announcement is expected to list the fry-up favorites in the same category as arsenic, asbestos

and cigarettes.

Red meat will also be declared “probably carcinogenic to humans”, and will be ranked as only slightly less dangerous than preserved products, according to a Daily Mail source.

Processed meat, which include pastrami, salami, hot dogs and some types of sausages is made by smoking, curing, salting or adding preservatives.

For decades, doctors have said red meat has carcinogenic effects. One recent study suggested that a sugar molecule found in beef, lamb and pork could be a trigger behind inflammation, and causes cancer tumors to grow.

The World Cancer Research Fund said: “There is strong evidence that eating a lot of these foods [red and processed meat] increases your risk of bowel cancer.”

Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and in women.

The NHS website says that evidence shows there is “probably a link between eating red and processed meat and the risk of bowel cancer”.

“People who eat a lot of these meats are at higher risk of bowel cancer than those who eat small amounts,” it adds.

According to the Mail, the decision by the WHO was made following a meeting and review of available evidence by scientists from ten nations including the UK.

But the decision, expected to be announced on Monday, could have a serious financial impact on farmers and the food industry.

Betsy Booren, of the North American Meat Institute, said recently: “If they determine that red and processed meat causes cancer – and I think they will – that moniker will stick. It could take decades and billions of dollars to change that.”

Are You Surprised By This Announcement? Will It Change How You Eat?

Article Courtesy of FoodMatters.TV