by Dan-N on July 29, 2010
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have conducted a study in mice that shows a promising new way to treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Disease. The study focused on the role that Sirtuin, a protein in the body. played in neurodegenerative diseases. What they found was activating sirtuin suppressed the disease and that destroying sirtuin made the disease much worse.
Sirtuin – The Longevity Protein and Key to Health?
In our article on Resveratrol Health Benefits we define and explain Sirtuin . The Sirtuin gene has been shown to have some strong possible connections with longevity and health. In our discussion on Resveratrol we focus on its ability to increase Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), but there are 7 different Sirtuin genes in the body. This research shows that stimulating Sirtuin production can have significant health benefits.
Gizem Donmez and Leonard Guarente of MIT were able to modify mice to make them more prone to developing Alzheimer’s disease. They then activated sirtuin in one group and saw that the progression of Alzheimer’s was suppressed. A second set of mice had their sirtuin destroyed and the Alzheimer’s progressed at a much faster pace.
No. We know some resveratrol companies will now start claiming that resveratrol can stop Alzheimer’s, and that would not be accurate.
Researchers not involved in the study agreed. “We think it is a scientifically compelling story that ties the sirtuins to the biology of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Dennis J. Selkoe, an Alzheimer’s expert at Harvard Medical School. But the therapeutic implications, Dr. Selkoe added, “remain quite up in the air.”
-Potential Found in a New Approach to Alzheimer’s, New York Times, 7/23/10
One problem is that resveratrol does not pass the blood-brain barrier at this time, so this study could not be replicated with resveratrol. In addition, the study was done with mice and not humans.
Sirtuin Research – A Field to Watch
We believe it is an exciting time for Sirtuin Research. Much more research has to be done, but the idea of activating Sirtuin to reduce disease risk is an area that should be actively explored.
When you think of whey protein you tend to think of body builders and people looking to “bulk up”. The idea of drinking down 50 grams of protein shakes a day does not bring up images of people looking to lose weight.
New Study Shows Whey Protein May Help Overweight People
A new study done by Associate Professor Sebely Pal and colleagues from Curtin University and funded by Dairy Australia, evaluated the effects of whey protein supplementation on a number of health risk factors in a group of overweight or obese adults. What they found was that whey protein improved a number of health risk factors in overweight or obese adults.
“The subjects – 70 overweight or obese men and women – were randomly allocated to replace a portion of their normal diet with whey protein, casein or glucose for 12 weeks.
After the 12 weeks, the researchers found that the whey protein group showed improvements in their cholesterol levels, insulin levels, blood pressure and artery stiffness.”
- Dairy Australia Study – May 10, 2010
Is Dairy Australia Really An Objective Source?
We are with you – we had the same reaction when we read the story, however, the study looks like it is for real. The study is set to be published in two peer-reviewed journals – Obesity and the British Journal of Nutrition. Yes, it was only done with 70 subjects, but it does show that whey protein has more health benefits then we may have imagined.
Whey Protein – Not Just For Body Builders Any More
Is Whey Protein really some diet miracle – no. The study does not show people lost weight when using whey protein, but it did show that overweight and obese people who consume whey protein have less health issues. It does seem that if you are looking to lose weight the idea of replacing a high calorie meal with a good whey protein shake can help you shed some pounds and reduce some of the health risks associated with being overweight.
It turns out Whole Foods must have a soft spot for whales, seals and penguins – as they have decided these animals deserve to eat their Krill! Yes, seals and penguins are cute animals we can all connect with – those tiny, creepy shrimp like Krill – not so much.
Omega 3’s Good – Penguins and Seals Dying So We Can Eat Omega 3’s – Not Good
If you are reading this blog it is probably safe to assume you already know all about the positive health benefits from Omega 3 Fatty acids. Omega 3’s can come from fish oils and they also come from Krill. Krill are tiny little shrimp like animals that sit way down on the food chain.
Manufacturers in recent years have started to make Omega 3 supplements using Krill. The advantage is that Krill does not have the mercury contamination issue that you can have when using fish for Omega 3 supplements. In fact, Krill Supplements have become so popular that the krill population is being depleted. As whales, penguins and seals basically survive by eating krill, there is a belief that Krill supplements are starting to hurt the whale, penguin and seal populations by drying up their food supply.
Whole Foods Bans Krill Oil Supplements
Whole Foods has decided to take action to protect the whales, penguins and seals of the world…
“Krill are an important source of food for marine animals including penguins, seals, and whales in the Antarctic. Declines of some predator populations in the areas where the krill fishery operates suggest that fishery management needs to better understand how to evaluate the prey requirements of other marine species in order to set sustainable catch levels for krill.
Consequently, at present we are choosing to discontinue the sale of krill supplements as we continue to evaluate this emerging research. Please consider alternatives to krill oil supplements such as fish oil or astaxanthin supplements.”
-Whole Foods Statement
In The Least Surprising Move of the Day – Krill Industry Denies There Is A Problem
Guess who disagrees with Whole Foods? That’s right, companies that make Krill Supplements. The industry points out that some Krill supplements are made with farmed Krill – so this has no impact on the food chain for other animals. Others in the industry argue that Krill is harvested in a sustainable matter and is not having a negative impact.
We are not sure how this will play out, perhaps Whole Foods is using its leverage to get more accountability for how Krill is harvested and to make sure it is done in a responsible and sustainable way. If this is the case we say… way to go Whole Foods!
Krill Say – “Looks Like a Lose Lose For Us. We die either way!”
It must suck to be a Krill! Whole Foods cares about penguins, seals and whales – but what about the Krill? Let’s see, the supplement industry wants to kill Krill to make supplements. Whole Foods says – don’t kill the Krill… let the penguins, seals and whales kill them! I guess that is life (a very short life) on the bottom of the food chain.
Saturated fats are bad for you. Food cooked in oil with saturated fat – also bad for you. Don’t even get us started on Trans-Fat – that is simply evil incarnate. If we all want to live long and healthy lives we simply need to switch to unsaturated fats – cook with Olive Oil and you are a shoe-in to see the 3rd Millennium roll in.
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