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Walnuts are Brainfood
I am beginning to believe that walnuts and green-hull black walnut tincture may be a key element for curing any number of neurological problems including Alzheimers, Autism, ADD,ADHD, Depression, Manic Depression and other health problems related to an inadequate amount of Omega 3 oils in our diet. Walnuts are one of the richest sources of Omega 3 oils. I have done many hours but not exhaustive research for the uses of walnuts for treating all kinds of diseases and conditions and found many studies that support my hypothesis. I am going to continue researching more information about Omega-3 oils for neurological health. Many studies recommend eating fish and I do eat fish two or three times a week but I am concerned about the mercury content in fish. From my research, I believe that eating a dozen or so walnuts in one meal a day as a substitutue for meat in that meal could provide many health benefits. I would also consider using walnut oil as a substitute for vegetable oil.
Date: 3/16/2005 8:34:57 PM ( 19 y ) ... viewed 5410 times Sources and requirements
Good for the brain and children too
The human brain is one of the largest "consumers" of DHA. A normal adult human brain contains more than 20 grams of DHA. Low DHA levels have been linked to low brain serotonin levels which again are connected to an increased tendency to depression, suicide, and violence. A high intake of fish has been linked to a significant decrease in age-related memory loss and cognitive function impairment and a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. A recent study found that Alzheimer's patients given an omega-3-rich supplement experienced a significant improvement in their quality of life.[6-9]
The main sources of omega-6 fatty acids are vegetable oils such as corn oil and soy oil which contain a high proportion of linoleic acid. Omega-3 acids are found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and marine plankton and fatty fish. The main component of flaxseed and walnut oils is alpha-linolenic acid while the predominant fatty acids found in fatty fish and fish oils are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The most beneficial and active of these fatty acids are EPA and DHA. Alpha-linolenic acid can be converted to EPA and DHA in the body, but the conversion is quite inefficient especially in older people. [1, 2]
Scientists were first alerted to the many benefits of EPA and DHA in the early 1970s when Danish physicians observed that Greenland Eskimos had an exceptionally low incidence of heart disease and arthritis despite the fact that they consumed a high-fat diet. Intensive research soon discovered that two of the fats (oils) they consumed in large quantities, EPA and DHA, were actually highly beneficial. More recent research has established that fish oils (EPA and DHA) play a crucial role in the prevention of atherosclerosis, heart attack, depression, and cancer. Clinical trials have shown that fish oil supplementation is effective in the treatment of many disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and Raynaud's disease. [1-5]
Recognizing the unique benefits of EPA and DHA and the serious consequences of a deficiency the US National Institutes of Health recently published Recommended Daily Intakes of fatty acids. They recommend a total daily intake of 650 mg of EPA and DHA, 2.22 g/day of alpha-linolenic acid and 4.44 g/day of linoleic acid. Saturated fat intake should not exceed 8 per cent of total calorie intake or about 18 g/day.
Several studies have established a clear association between low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and depression. Other studies have shown that countries with a high level of fish consumption have fewer cases of depression. Researchers at Harvard Medical School have successfully used fish oil supplementation to treat bipolar disorder (manic- depressive illness) and British researchers report encouraging results in the treatment of schizophrenia. [10-15]
An adequate intake of DHA and EPA is particularly important during pregnancy and lactation. During this time the mother must supply all the baby's needs for DHA and EPA because it is unable to synthesize these essential fatty acids itself. DHA makes up 15 to 20% of the cerebral cortex and 30 to 60% of the retina so it is absolutely necessary for normal development of the fetus and baby. There is some evidence that an insufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of premature birth and an abnormally low birth weight. There is also emerging evidence that low levels of omega-3 acids are associated with hyperactivity in children. [1, 3, 16-22]
The constant drain on a mother's DHA reserves can easily lead to a deficiency and some researchers believe that preeclampsia (pregnancy- related high blood pressure) and postpartum depression could be linked to a DHA deficiency. Experts recommend that women get at least 500- 600 mg of DHA every day during pregnancy and lactation. The easiest way to ensure this intake is to take a good fish oil supplement daily. [17-19]
Researchers at the University of Sydney have found that children who regularly eat fresh, oily fish have a four times lower risk of developing asthma than do children who rarely eat such fish. They speculate that EPA present in the fish may prevent the development of asthma or reduce its severity by reducing airway inflammation and responsiveness. Researchers at the University of Wyoming have found that supplementation with 3.3 grams/day of fish oil markedly reduces breathing difficulties and other symptoms in asthma patients. Other research has found fish oil to be beneficial in the treatment of other lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and emphysema. [23-29]
http://www.oilofpisces.com/fishoilnutrient.html
Another Study
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_4_8/ai_111303983
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