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Who says we have to suffer...to live a healthy happy vibrant life?

Red wine and dark chocolate... might seem decadent...but these guilty pleasures also might help us live longer...and healthier lives. Red wine and dark chocolate definitely improve an evening..but they also contain resveratrol..which lowers blood sugar. Red wine is a great source of catechins..which boost protective HDL cholesterol. Green tea? Protects your brain..helps you live longer..and soothes your spirit.

Food for Thought, the blog, is about living the good life...a life we create with our thoughts and our choices...and having fun the whole while!

I say lets make the thoughts good ones..and let the choices be healthy...exciting...and delicious! Bon Appetit!

Showing posts with label Seafood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seafood. Show all posts

Friday, February 27, 2015

Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D may control brain serotonin, affecting behavior and psychiatric disorders.


In a previous paper published last year, authors Patrick and Ames discussed the implications of their finding that vitamin D regulates the conversion of the essential amino acid tryptophan into serotonin, and how this may influence the development of autism, particularly in developing children with poor vitamin D status.

Here they discuss the relevance of these micronutrients for neuropsychiatric illness. Serotonin affects a wide-range of cognitive functions and behaviors including mood, decision-making, social behavior, impulsive behavior, and even plays a role in social decision-making by keeping in check aggressive social responses or impulsive behavior.

Many clinical disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression share as a unifying attribute low brain serotonin. "In this paper we explain how serotonin is a critical modulator of executive function, impulse control, sensory gating, and pro-social behavior," says Dr. Patrick. "We link serotonin production and function to vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, suggesting one way these important micronutrients help the brain function and affect the way we behave."

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) increases serotonin release from presynaptic neurons by reducing inflammatory signaling molecules in the brain known as E2 series prostaglandins, which inhibit serotonin release and suggests how inflammation may negatively impact serotonin in the brain. EPA, however, is not the only omega-3 that plays a role in the serotonin pathway. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) also influences the action of various serotonin receptors by making them more accessible to serotonin by increasing cell membrane fluidity in postsynaptic neurons.

Their paper illuminates the mechanistic links that explain why low vitamin D, which is mostly produced by the skin when exposed to sun, and marine omega-3 deficiencies interacts with genetic pathways, such as the serotonin pathway, that are important for brain development, social cognition, and decision-making, and how these gene-

micronutrient interactions may influence neuropsychiatric outcomes. "Vitamin D, which is converted to a steroid hormone that controls about 1,000 genes, many in the brain, is a major deficiency in the US and omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies are very common because people don't eat enough fish," said Dr. Ames.

This publication suggests that optimizing intakes of vitamin D, EPA, and DHA would optimize brain serotonin concentrations and function, possibly preventing and ameliorating some of the symptoms associated with these disorders without side effects.
Rhonda P. Patrick And Bruce N. Ames. Vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior. FASEB Journal, February 2015
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Friday, December 5, 2014

Foods that fight high cholesterol

It's easy to eat your way to an alarmingly high cholesterol level. The reverse is true too — changing what you eat can lower your cholesterol and improve the character of fats circulating through your blood vessels. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and "good fats" are all part of a heart-healthy diet. But some foods are particularly good at helping bring down cholesterol.

How? Some cholesterol-lowering foods deliver a good dose of soluble fiber, which binds cholesterol and its precursors in the digestive system and drags them out of the body before they get into circulation. Others provide polyunsaturated fats, which directly lower LDL. And those with plant sterols and stanols keep the body from absorbing cholesterol. Here are 5 of those foods:
  1. Oats. An easy way to start lowering cholesterol is to choose oatmeal or an oat-based cereal like Cheerios for breakfast. Just make sure you are eating the unsweetened Cheerios and not the sugar coated ones. Oatmeal gives you 1 to 2 grams of soluble fiber. Add a banana or some strawberries for another half-gram. 
  2. Beans. Beans are especially rich in soluble fiber. They also take time for the body to digest, meaning you feel full for longer after a meal. That's one reason beans are a useful food for folks trying to lose weight. With so many choices — from navy, pinto and kidney beans to lentils, garbanzos, black-eyed peas, and beyond — and so many ways to prepare them, beans are an inexpensive and versatile food. 
  3. Nuts. A host of studies shows that eating almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and other nuts is good for the heart. Eating 2 ounces of nuts a day can slightly lower LDL, on the order of 5%. Nuts have additional nutrients that protect the heart in other ways. An ounce of walnuts before a meal can tame your appetite and help you lose weight over the course of a few months, even if you make no other changes.
  4. Foods fortified with sterols and stanols. Sterols and stanols extracted from plants gum up the body's ability to absorb cholesterol from food. Companies are adding them to foods ranging from granola bars to orange juice and chocolate. They're also available as supplements. Getting 2 grams of plant sterols or stanols a day can lower LDL cholesterol by about 10%. 
  5. Fatty fish. Eating fish two or three times a week can lower LDL by replacing meat, which has LDL-boosting saturated fats, and they boost your levels of heart protective omega-3 fats. Plus the omega-3s from fish raise the beneficial HDL cholesterol too. Omega-3s reduce triglycerides in the bloodstream and also protect the heart by helping prevent the onset of abnormal heart rhythms. 
    But stay away from…
    As you consider eating more of the foods that can help dial down cholesterol, keep in mind that avoiding certain foods can also improve your results. To keep cholesterol levels and heart risk where you want them to be, limit intake of:
    Added sugars. Added sugars raise your blood sugar levels, which in turn raise the levels of triglycerides in your blood. Sugar also raises insulin which raises LDL cholesterol. High sugar levels and high insulin levels promote inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to promote heart risk.
    Trans fats. Trans fats are a byproduct of the chemical reaction that turns liquid vegetable oil into solid margarine or shortening and that prevents liquid vegetable oils from turning rancid. Trans fats boost LDL as much as saturated fats do. They also lower protective HDL, rev up inflammation, and increase the tendency for blood clots to form inside blood vessels. Although trans fats were once ubiquitous in prepared foods, many companies now use trans-fat-free alternatives. Some restaurants and fast-food chains have yet to make the switch. Read labels and avoid foods that list  hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils in ingredients lists.


Monday, August 29, 2011

DHA May Reduce Stroke Injury

Consuming the omega 3 DHA docosahexaenoic acid may reduce the extent of damage of a stroke by as much as 25% This is a study demonstrating the inflammation blocking effects of DHA in the brain. How much DHA would it take to approximate the effect found in the study? 2.5 to 3 grams of DHA and EPA daily with the emphasis on DHA.

Docosahexaenoic Acid
The article “Accumulation of Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid in the Brain Attenuates Acute Immune Response and Development of Postischemic Neuronal Damage” was published in the August 18 edition of the journal “Stroke

Monday, March 28, 2011

More evidence: Eating fish ( and taking marine omega 3's) protects your brain.

Temple University scientists have discovered that blocking activity of an enzyme in the brain protects the brain. DHA and EPA from fish block that enzyme. Take your DHA and EPA everyday! 
In previous studies, the Temple researchers discovered that 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme long known to exist in the brain, controls the activation state of gamma secretase, another enzyme that is necessary and responsible for the final production of amyloid beta. When produced in excess, amyloid beta causes neuronal death and forms plaques in the brain. The amount of these amyloid plaques in the brain is used as a measurement of the severity of Alzheimer's.
The researchers published their findings, “Pharmacologic Blockade of 5-Lipoxygenase Improves the Amyloidotic Phenotype of an AD Transgenic Mouse Model,” in the American Journal of Pathology.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

What's Cooking?

Tuna Salad with Olives and Artichokes and Cranberries



  • 12 Ounces Chunk Light Tuna, flaked
  • 8 oz chopped canned artichoke hearts
  • 1/2 cup chopped black olives
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano




Combine tuna, artichokes, olives, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest and oregano in a medium bowl.

Hint: I use chunk light tuna instead of white tuna because it comes from smaller fish and has significantly less mercury.
Red grapes cut in half are really good in this salad too. If you are trying to lighten up..serve it on lettuce leaves rather than slices bread.

Friday, March 18, 2011

What's Cooking?

Blackened Salmon 

Yesterday I ran into the market to pick up a few things and spotted a gorgeous filet of salmon...so I thought I'd blacken it for supper...and it was well...delicious!

Here are the seasonings..I keep a little jar of this ready so that when I'm in the mood for a bit of zip..it is ready to go.


1/2 cup paprika
1/4 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
3 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried oregano

Here's what you do.
Fire up the grill....

Place a cast iron skillet onto your grill and let it get really hot. Cooking this dish indoors will fill your kitchen with smoke..I speak from experience and do not recommend it. If you don't have a skillet you can use on your grill, just grill the salmon directly on the grill...which is what I did this time.

Mix the seasonings, and pour some in a flat bowl. Brush both sides of your salmon steaks or filets liberally with coconut oil, normally I cook with olive oil but I'm blackening here so I want an oil that can handle a higher heat..coconut oil is great for this. Now press one side of the salmon down onto the spices, and then place the seasoned side down in the skillet or on the grill. Sear/grill until blackened. Flip the salmon over and cook till it is done to your preferred degree of doneness.

A green salad...some sauteed spinach, a loaf of crusty bread..and you're good to go!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Protecting against a second heart attack...




Have you or has a loved one had a heart attack? Would you like to know some tried and true steps for slashing the chance of a second one? Here are some steps…and there is a book on the subject. See the link at the bottom of this post.

For starters, if you are under the care of a doctor, fill your prescriptions and take your medications! Studies show that patients who fail to fill any of their prescriptions have an 80 % greater chance of dying in the year following their heart attack, compared to people who faithfully take their meds. Patients who pick and choose,  filling only some of their prescriptions have a 40 % increase in risk of death in the year following their heart attack. This is huge and easy to remedy. Take your meds…

Know about and avoid the plaque-building, heart stopping foods. Stop eating, or cut way back on foods from the western pattern diet—red meat, cream and cheese, and trans fats from margarines, spreads, chips and snack foods. Fried foods are particularly dangerous. Refined sugars are culprits too. These are the “heart attack on a plate” foods that explain the comparatively high rates of heart disease in western cultures. These foods hasten plaque buildup, increase inflammation, make you gain weight which burdens the heart and thus raise your risk of another heart attack. 



Instead, build a diet of foods that heal the arteries, reduce inflammation and strengthen your heart. The most well studied and scientifically endorsed diet for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment is the Mediterranean Diet. In this diet, extra virgin olive oil is the primary source of fat. Fresh dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and collard greens, and vegetables of all types figure prominently. You’ll enjoy fresh fruits such as figs, apples and pears. Instead of refined “white flour” breads and cereals, you’ll have heart healthy and slimming whole grains such as oatmeal. You’ll eat the cholesterol lowering legumes such as lentils. In addition, your primary protein will be Omega 3 rich fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. Snacks might be walnuts or macadamia nuts, and you will enjoy a relaxing glass of antioxidant rich red wine with meals. And as the name of this blog hints… a daily treat of rich and decadent deep, dark chocolate has been proven to help treat and reverse heart disease.

Walk. Every step counts. A daily exercise regimen  is integral to reversing heart disease. Walking is one of the simplest, safest and least expensive heart-health-promoting strategies. Walking longer distances frequently has been proven to be the best exercise prescription for heart patients. Exercise improves your tendency to gain weight, raises protective HDL cholesterol, normalizes blood pressure levels, helps to open and clear clogged blood vessels, and boosts mood.

Take these heart smart supplements. Not all supplements are created equally when it comes to treating and reversing plaque build-up. A few stand out among the crowd and should be in every heart attack survivor’s medicine chest:

Niacin, the B vitamin available over the counter or as a prescription drug, has been proven to possess the greatest capacity to increase your blood level of “good” cholesterol, HDL—compared to other drugs.
With over thirty years of research supporting its safety and effectiveness, you and your doctor should discuss adding this vitamin as a second agent on top of your statin to boost your fight against plaque. Please note that a normal effect of Niacin is the “ Niacin Flush” which demonstrates the vitamin’s efficacy as a vasodilator. The flush makes your face, neck, chest and arms turn bright red and itch..it isn’t harmful, but you should know that it might happen. Drinking a glass of cold water or taking an aspirin with your niacin can reduce the severity of the flush, and it usually passes in about 30 minutes. There is a no-flush version of niacin called Enduracin which you can find via the internet.
           
Omega 3’s from the Sea. Did you know that taking the right Omega 3s actually slashes your risk of a first or second heart attack?
Lovaza is the Omega 3 prescription fish oil supplement, recommended by many doctors today, and guaranteed by the Food and Drug Administration to be free of contaminants and impurities. One Lovaza capsule provides approximately 900 milligrams of mixed EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.

But! You don’t have to involve your insurance in order to afford Lovaza, however. There are high quality, Omega 3 supplements sold in natural food stores and online, that supply the American Heart Association’s suggested amount of 1000 mg of EPA and DHA combined in two capsules or in a teaspoon full of liquid, and they cost far less than the prescription form does. Not to mention reducing the burden of the cost of health care, for all of us…just be sure the product label states that it has been tested by an FDA registered lab and found to be fresh, fully potent and free of detrimental levels of major contaminants such as mercury lead and PCB’s.

The American Heart Association says all heart patients should be taking 1000 to 4000 mg of EPA and DHA daily—under their doctor’s supervision. Note: the higher dose is for patients who need to reduce their triglyceride levels.
           
Vitamin D.  Inadequate dietary intake of this essential nutrient results in vitamin D deficiency, and studies are accumulating suggesting that a low vitamin D status negatively affects cardiovascular health. In fact major studies show that being deficient can double your risk of heart attack! I suggest that at your next check-up ask your doctor to test your vitamin D level and to consider taking a daily supplement of vitamin D, to boost your level, if it is indeed low. Scroll down for a separate post on new reasons to take higher doses of vitamin D.


CoEnzyme Q-10. Some of the medications that heart patients take deplete this important heart strengthening nutrient. Some researchers suggest that the depletion of COQ10 could account for some side effects associated with statin drugs such as muscle pain and elevated liver enzymes which suggest liver damage. I suggest 100 mg daily.


Some of the points above were adapted from an article promoting the book you see here...


it's on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Prevent-Second-Heart-Attack-Reverse/dp/030746525X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299525150&sr=8-1

Friday, March 4, 2011

Lose the Blues, Naturally

Feeling blue yet wary of anti-depressants due to the many adverse effects? Here are some suggestions for natural mood support.

Begin with Omega 3s, (three grams a day of EPA and DHA from pure, high-quality marine sources). Be sure you are taking Omega 3s that have been tested for contaminants, the statement that they are tested for lead, mercury, PCB’s and other toxins should be right on the label.

How Omega 3s Combat Depression:   
Better levels of serotonin and phosphatidylserine. 
Increased cerebral blood flow
Reduced alcoholic brain injury 


Also take phosphatidylserine (100 mg/day). The all-natural supplement phosphatidylserine or PS, (available in natural food stores everywhere), enables the creation of billions of brand new brain cells. PS optimizes brain function, powers up your memory, and reverses the effect of stress on the brain. PS supports your brain cells ability to make more serotonin, the feel good mood lifting neurotransmitter.

Another great mood support nutrient is glutamine (one teaspoon of powder in four ounces of water per day). Glutamine is one of the few substances that passes freely across the blood brain barrier. Once in the brain, your body converts it to glutamic acid and it increases the concentration of GABA, (gamma amino butyric acid). Both glutamic acid and GABA are essential for proper mental function.
Both help to greatly relieve anxiety and brighten the mood. 

Ever reach for a cocktail to combat stress or depression? Would you like to cut back? Glutamine to the rescue here too...Because of its action in the brain, glutamine supplements have been recommended for preventing the harmful effect of alcohol on the brain and it’s widely used for reducing alcohol cravings. This makes it an ideal supplement for those who are in recovery.

Some sources describe glutamine as a “brain fuel” capable of stimulating mental alertness and clear thinking. I have seen some individuals who were working to overcome panic attacks and anxiety attacks find that supplementing with glutamine helps.

For mood balancing, take a teaspoon of glutamine powder in water when you’re feeling anxious or at times when you may be feeling a craving for alcohol.



I know people who have had success reducing symptoms of depression using one of my favorite herbs St. John’s Wort. The right dose is 300 mg, three times per day. This herb is not to be used if you’re still taking Prozac or
Zoloft. But once you’re no longer on an SSRI, you can wait two weeks and then take advantage of the herbs power to boost serotonin and lift your mood.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Nothing Beats the Mediterranean Diet..for Overall Health


If you are trying to find the most effective heart-healthy eating plan, the Mediterranean diet might be perfect for you. The Mediterranean lifestyle incorporates the basics of healthy eating — plus a splash of flavorful olive oil and perhaps a glass of red wine — among other components that best reflect traditional cooking styles in countries that live along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

The characteristics of the Mediterranean diet include eating much higher amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, than other western pattern diets. You'll be using healthy vegetable oils, like olive oil when you cook and as a condiment. Fish is a hallmark of the Mediterranean way of eating: fish or shellfish is at least twice a week on a menu, and may be there daily, while red meat may only happen once a week or even less. Whole grains and small portions of nuts are also one of the essentials.

Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease. In fact, a recent analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy adults demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality, a reduced incidence of cancer and cancer mortality, and a reduced incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
For this reason, most if not all major scientific organizations encourage healthy adults to adapt a style of eating like that of the Mediterranean diet for prevention of major chronic diseases.







Eat Mostly Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts and Whole Grains

The Mediterranean diet traditionally is fundamentally based on fruits, vegetables, pasta and rice. For example, residents of Greece eat very little red meat and average nine servings a day of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. The major benefit? A lower level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol that's more likely to build up deposits in your arteries.
Nuts are featured in a healthy Mediterranean diet. Nuts are high in fat (approximately 80 percent of their calories come from fat), but most of the fat is unsaturated and very healthy for your heart and blood vessels. Because nuts are high in calories, they should not be eaten in large amounts — generally no more than a handful a day. For the best nutrition, avoid candied or honey-roasted and heavily salted nuts. Eat raw walnuts, almonds and macadamia nuts...
Grains in the Mediterranean region are typically whole grain and usually contain very few unhealthy trans fats, and bread is an important part of the diet there. However, throughout the Mediterranean region, bread is eaten plain or dipped in olive oil — not eaten with butter or margarines, which contain saturated or trans fats. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar and some fresh herbs and sea salt for a delicious dip for whole grain breads.

Be Wise About Fats

The focus of the Mediterranean diet isn't on limiting total fat consumption, but rather to be wise about the types of fat you eat. The Mediterranean diet discourages saturated fats and hydrogenated oils (trans fats, fried foods), all of which contribute to heart disease.
The Mediterranean diet uses olive oil as the primary source of fat. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fat — a type of fat that can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels when used in place of saturated or trans fats. "Extra-virgin" and "virgin" olive oils — the least processed forms — also contain the highest levels of the protective plant compounds that provide antioxidant effects.
Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, such as canola oil and some nuts, contain the beneficial alpha linolenic acid (a type of omega-3 fatty acid). Omega-3 fatty acids lower triglycerides, decrease blood clotting, are associated with decreased sudden heart attack, improve the health of your blood vessels, and help moderate blood pressure. Fatty fish — such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon — are rich sources of the most beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Fish is eaten on a regular basis in the Mediterranean diet. I always suggest supplementing with 1000 mg combined EPA and DHA in addition to eating a fish based diet.

Be Wise About Wine

The health effects of alcohol are a subject of heated debate. Many doctors and nutritionists are reluctant to encourage alcohol consumption because of the dire negative health consequences of excessive drinking. However, alcohol — in moderation — has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease in some research studies. Also some studies feel that a small amount of alcohol contributes to healthy brain aging.
The Mediterranean diet typically includes a moderate amount of wine. This means no more than 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine daily for women (or men over age 65), and no more than 10 ounces (296 milliliters) of wine daily for men under age 65. More than this may increase the risk of health problems, including increased risk of certain types of cancer.
If you're unable to limit your alcohol intake to the amounts defined above, if you have a personal or family history of alcohol abuse, or if you have liver disease, refrain from drinking wine or any other alcohol. Also keep in mind that red wine contains compounds that may trigger migraines in some people.

In Summary

The Mediterranean diet is a lifestyle that really supports health and longevity. There are many cookbooks to help you adapt your meals to these suggestions. Look Here:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_18?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=mediterranean+diet&sprefix=mediterranean+diet


Here are some guidelines to get you going:
  • Eat an abundant array of vegetables and fruits — and switch to whole grains. A variety of plant foods should dominate your plate. Try to have three fourths of the "real estate" on your plate occupied by fruits and veggies. They should be fresh, and ideally in season. Strive for seven to 10 servings a day of veggies and fruits. Switch to whole-grain bread and cereal, and begin to eat more whole-gain rice and pasta products. Cut the white flour products out of your meals. Keep baby carrots, apples and bananas on hand for quick, satisfying snacks. Fruit salads are a wonderful way to eat a variety of healthy fruit.
  • Find a Great Fish Market. Eat fish two to four times a week. Fresh or water-packed tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel and herring are healthy choices. Grilled and baked fish cook in minutes. Avoid fried fish, the benefits of Omega 3's are lost when the fish is fried
  • Olive Oil not butter. Try olive oil as a healthy replacement for butter and get rid of margarine. Use olive oil in cooking. After cooking pasta, add a touch of olive oil, some garlic and green onions, and a small handful of parmesan for flavoring. Dip bread in flavored olive oil or lightly spread it on whole-grain bread for a tasty alternative to butter. Try tahini (blended sesame seeds) as a dip or spread for bread too.
  • Go nuts. Keep almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts on hand for a quick snack. Choose natural peanut butter, rather than the kind with hydrogenated fat added. Try tahini (blended sesame seeds) as a dip or spread for bread. An incredible treat is a pitted date, stuffed with tahini, sprinkled with sea salt...
  • Spices replace salt. Herbs and spices make food tasty and are also rich in antioxidants and healthy aging compounds. Season your dishes with herbs and spices rather than salt.
  • Limit red meat. Substitute fish and poultry for red meat. When eaten, make sure it's lean and keep portions to about 4 ounces. Also be very sparing with sausage, bacon and other cured high-fat meats. Pork is the most inflammatory of all protein sources.
  • Choose less and only low-fat dairy. Limit higher fat dairy products such as whole or 2 percent milk, cheese and ice cream. Switch to skim milk, fat-free yogurt and low-fat cheese. Eat Goat cheese.
  • Vino, Grape or Pomegranate Juice. If alcohol isn't an issue for you have a glass of wine at dinner. If you don't drink alcohol, Purple grape juice has the same antioxidant benefits as wine. Pomegranate juice is a delicious lower sugar alternative.






Thursday, February 17, 2011

Expecting? Eat Fish! The Benefits Outweigh the Risks..


“Advice that limits seafood consumption might reduce the intake of nutrients necessary for optimal neurological development.” 

12% of women reported eating no fish or seafood during pregnancy; 65% consumed up to 12 ounces (340 g) of fish per week; 23% consumed more than 12 ounces of fish per week.  

Higher seafood consumption during pregnancy was associated with lower risk of suboptimal verbal IQ. 
In every outcome measured, the lower the seafood consumption by the mother during pregnancy, the greater the risk of suboptimal development in the child. 

These data, collected over an 8-year period, from nearly 12,000 pregnant women and their children suggest beneficial effects on child development when maternal intake of fish and seafood is greater than 340 grams (> 12 ounces) per week.  These findings suggest that following the US FDA and US EPA advisory to limit fish and seafood intake during pregnancy may result in suboptimal neural development in children; risk from the absence of nutrients may be greater than risk of harm from potential exposure to mercury. 


Vannice GK, Byelashov A, Rice, B.  Advances in EPA & DHA Research: EPA and DHA Omega-3 intake during pregnancy and developmental outcomes in children.  Quarterly Journal of Significant Omega-3 Research, 03;(03), 2010.

Hibbeln JR, Davis JM, et al. Maternal seafood consumption in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood (ALSPAC study): An observational cohort study. Lancet, 2007;369:578-585.