While cholesterol remains a contentious issue – for good reason – there’s nothing contentious about homocysteine. A high level is a known risk factor for the development of dementia (especially Alzheimer’s), stroke, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In most people, homocysteine is easily controlled, without the use of medication. That so few people know about it is nothing short of a scandal.
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Beyond the runner’s high lies a biochemical process that is part of the brain’s growth and repair system. Central to that process is a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF protects existing brain cells from damage. It strengthens the synapses (a synapse is the structure between nerves, through which messages are transmitted), and helps form new synapses. BDNF is also involved in a process called neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells.
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Inflammation is often visible and painful. Red, angry swellings make their presence felt. Yet sometimes inflammation is invisible and painless; you would never know it was there. When inflammation flares in the brain, it does so silently. Chronic, low-grade inflammation in the brain is a factor in the development of many neurodegenerative diseases, including depression and dementia. It is also seen in Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Huntington’s disease.
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High homocysteine (Hcy) is an indication of low vitamin B12 status. It is also a risk factor for other serious diseases too, especially cardiovascular disease and stroke, as it can damage the walls of blood vessels. Hcy can easily be lowered. For some people, awareness of this fact could be life changing.
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If you recently switched to a 100% plant-based diet, you can relax for quite some time. The adult liver can store enough vitamin B12 to last 1–5 years. But after that, and without “careful planning”, your health could suffer serious and irreversible damage.
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You probably associate vitamin D with bone health, but that’s just a fraction of the picture. There are receptor sites for this vitamin throughout the brain and deficiency is associated with a range of neurological disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, dementia (including Alzheimer’s) and Parkinson’s disease.
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The dry weight of the brain is 60% fat. It’s all there: saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. There’s also a good deal of cholesterol, a fat-like substance. As well as forming part of the structure of the brain, and providing fuel, these fats play a role in maintaining memory and other aspects of cognitive function.
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There is a mistaken but widespread belief that we are all helpless victims of cruel fate and random DNA, marching through our lives towards a preordained conclusion. Instead, the evidence suggests that developing dementia is largely a matter of what you eat and drink. Here are four dietary changes you can make now that can play a significant role in maintaining the health of the ageing brain.
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Many extraordinary claims are made for the therapeutic effects of the coconut. And it looks like many of them are justified. With its exceptional oil, water, and medium chain fats, the coconut is the food of kings. It doesn’t taste bad either.
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This week, we learned:
That a Spanish company has created a low-fat avocado. Seriously. The whole point of an avocado is its fat content, most of which is monounsaturated – just like olive oil.
