DMAE Benefits and Food Sources

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DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a naturally occurring nutrient found in high concentrations in fish, sardines and salmon in particular. Also, is a hormone metabolically produced in small amounts by the brain, testes and adrenal glands. DMAE is essential to the production of acetylcholine. Choline is used by the body for many critical functions, which include cell membrane integrity and the wholesome functioning of neurotransmitters known as acetylcholines. Structurally, DMAE is similar to choline, however it crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily than choline. While choline is not able to be transferred to the brain, it can undergo a change called methylation, which would allow the brain to absorb it. Acetylcholine is released by the nerves in the central and peripheral nervous system. In the brain, this neurotransmitter regulates learning memory and mood.

DMAE Food Sources

Common food sources include anchovies, sardines, salmon, herring and other fish.

DMAE Benefits

DMAE or dimethylaminoethanol is a crucial substance that functions as a building block for choline, which allows the brain to manufacturer acetylcholine. In various studies, DMAE has been shown to reduce age-related decline in cognitive ability and memory. DMAE has shown beneficial results in the therapy of a variety of cognitive and disruptive disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and memory lapses.

In a double-blind, crossover study designed to measure the effect of DMAE on vigilance and mood,  four subjects categorized as anxiety ridden, and four participants used as controls, were given 1200 mg/day of DMAE for 5 days. The participants then had their EEG and inter-hemispheric coherence measured. In the participants  given DMAE, a important and progressive synchronization of the two hemispheres was noted. This synchronization was correlated with improved neuromotor control, enhancement of behavioral tasks, increased verbal memory, and better control in anxious and rhythmic reactivity.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, (ADHD) is a behavioral condition that makes focusing on everyday requests and routines challenging. A ten-week study in 1974 involving 124 children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder found that those who took DMAE supplements (deanol) showed responses comparable to those taking Ritalin. Another double-blind study fifty children aged 6 to 12 years who had been diagnosed with hyperkinesia participated in a double-blind study comparing DMAE to placebo. The dose was increased from 300 mg daily to 500 mg daily by the third week, and continued for ten weeks. Findings revealed statistically significant test score improvements in the treatment group compared to the placebo group.

DMAE Serum

One of the important DMAE advantages is that it promotes healthful skin, by preventing the manufacture of arachidonic acid, which is a substance that leads to the formation of wrinkles. A randomized clinical study has showed that, 3% DMAE facial gel applied daily for sixteen weeks is safe and effective to soften the age-lines on the forehead and fine wrinkles on the face. Developments were noted in forehead lines and lines around the eyes, as well as in lip shape, fullness, and the appearance of aging skin.

DMAE serums are particularly noted for their capability to diminish the spots, that are common and visible signs of aging skin. Lipofuscin is a pigment that causes the brown marks on the skin that are usually called “liver spots”or “age spots”. In addition, in vitro studies  indicate DMAE is an efficient anti-inflammatory agent, especially in the skin, a site of acetylcholine synthesis, storage, secretion, metabolism, and receptivity.

DMAE Dosage

According to researchs have shown that use of 200 mg to 500 mg of DMAE on a daily basis is effective. For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; 100 mg to 300 mg, taken orally once or twice a day. For memory;  100 mg to 300 mg, taken orally once or twice a day. For skin health; Apply a 3% DMAE solution.

Side Effects

It is not recommended for individuals with bipolar depression, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or seizure disorders. Also, be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women, except with a physician consent.

Carotenoids Benefits and Food Sources

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Carotenoids are natural pigments which are synthesized by plants and are responsible for the bright colors of different vegetables and  fruits. The carotenoids absorb light energy of specific frequencies and transfer it to chlorophyll for use in photosynthesis. In addition, act as antioxidants for chlorophyll, protecting it from damage by oxidation in the presence of sunlight. They are split into two classes, xanthophylls (beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and carotenes ((alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene).

Beta carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin are carotenes that are converted into vitamin A or retinol in the body. Lycopene, zeaxanthin, and lutein have no vitamin A activity.

Carotenoids Foods

Food sources of carotenoids include carrots , tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, tomato soup, beets, pink grapefruit, watermelon,  pomegranate, guava, papaya, bell peppers, spinach.

Carotenoids Benefits

Carotenoids are thought to provide positive effects in decreasing the risk of disease, especially certain cancers and eye illness.

•  Beta Carotene

Beta carotene, along with alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, can be converted to retinol and is classified as a Carotenoidsprovitamin A carotenoid. Free radicals can damage the basic structure of cells and so lead to chronic diseases and accelerate the aging process. Beta carotene and others carotenoids have antioxidant features in vitro and in animal models. Beta carotene has strong antioxidant effects, helps the body scavenge free radicals, therefore limiting the damage to cell membranes, DNA and protein structures in the cell.

Beta-carotene may enhance macrophage function and natural killer cell cytotoxicity and increase T-helper lymphocyte counts. Findings from a number of studies suggest that beta-carotene containing foods avoid the initiation and progression of different cancers. Beta carotene stimulates a molecule that helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells. It increases the number of receptors on white blood cells for a molecule known as major histocompatibility complex II. MHC II is integral in helping monocytes, a type of white blood cell, direct killer T cells to cancerous cells.

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between presence of different cancers and dietary carotenoids or blood carotenoid levels. In a study showed that 44 % of patient with colon cancer who were given 30 mg daily beta-carotene had cancer inhibition after only 2 weeks. Researchers showed beta-carotene, additionally using 30 mgs per day for pre-cancerous mouth lesions, caused total or partial regression in 71% of tumours.

In the study, 2 groups of men participating in the Physicians Health Study for 12 years were given either beta carotene (50 mg) or placebo throughout the course of the study. When looking at natural killer cell activity, the elderly men on beta carotene had 59% higher natural killer cell activity than the placebo group. Was seen in the middle-age group with beta-carotene supplementation, with the placebo group having 53% higher natural killer cell activity compared to the placebo group.

Beta carotene, along with zinc,copper, vitamin C, and vitamin E  may help treat advanced age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease. A clinical trial, the “Age Related Eye Disease Study“, found that individuals who had macular degeneration could slow its progression by taking beta-carotene (15 mg), vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (400 mg), copper (2 mg) and zinc (80 mg).

• Lycopene

Lycopene is the natural substance responsible for the deep red color in many foods, most particularly in tomatoes. Lycopene is more plentiful in cooked and processed tomato products such as tomato paste, and tomato sauce. The absorption of lycopene from cooked tomato paste was shown to be 3.8 times that from fresh tomato.

Lycopene has powerful antioxidant properties and researches indicate that it can help avoid certain cancers, macular degeneration and heart disease. 10 to 30 milligrams per day has been found to be effective in combating free radicals. In addition to preventing oxidative damage to cell membranes,  lycopene can  avoid oxidation of proteins and DNA.

Some researches have demonstrated that lycopene concentrations, found in foods, can fight this immortal cancer cells that had disrupted the programmed sequence of apoptosis or cell death in normal tissues. Lab experiments with lycopene confirm that it acts as an antioxidant and affects the way cells grow and communicate with each other. In a Harvard study conducted with 47,894 men, scientists found that eating 10 or more servings a week of tomato products was linked with a reduced risk of prostate cancer by as much a 34% .

A study on heart illness found that men with high levels of lycopene in their fatty tissues had a 50 % reduced risk of heart disease. In the EURAMIC study, the risk for acute heart attack at the highest level of lycopene in adipose tissue was reduced by 65 %, compared to adipose lycopene at the lowest level.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

The only carotenoids found in the retina are zeaxanthin and lutein. Lutein is used by the body as an antioxidant, and for blue light absorption.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, form the yellow pigment of the retina and absorb blue light, a harmful component of sunlight. Lutein works by means of its antioxidant effects which protect the cells of the retina against free radicals. A Harvard research in 1994, demonstrated that 6 milligrams of lutein may reduce your risk for developing macular degeneration. According to a 2007 study reported in the Archives of Opthamology, people with an increased intake as zeaxanthin and lutein, had a decreased risk of developing age related macular degeneration.

Epidemiological studies have long suggested an association between carotenoid intake and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. In a study (University of Southern California) demonstrated that lutein may help protect against clogging of the carotid arteries in the neck, an indication of atherosclerosis, the disease that leads to most heart attacks. Found that participants with the highest levels of lutein in the blood at the outset had no increase in plaque in the arteries throughout the 18 months of the study.

A epidemiological study from “Harvard School of Public Health“, reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found an inverse ratio between zeaxanthin and lutein intake and breast cancer in a group of more than 83000 women. Korean scientists have found algae-extraction carotenoids such as zeaxanthin and lutein can reduce colon cancer growths. Other recent study demonstrated lutein could inhibit growth in mouse mammary tumors by regulating angiogenesis and apoptosis.

Graviola Benefits and Anticancer Properties

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Graviola (annona muricata), or soursop, grows in the Amazon jungle and some of the Caribbean islands. All sections of the graviola tree are used in traditional medicine in the tropics, including roots, bark, fruit, and fruit seeds.

Graviola Benefits

Soursop contains many chemicals that may be active against cancer, as well as disease causing agents  such as viruses and bacteria. Annonaceous acetogenins are, powerful antioxidants that have been found to help avoid and treat illness. In lab studies, graviola can kill some types of breast cancer and  liver cancer cells that are resistant to particular chemotherapy medicines.

Annonaceous acetogenins were influential against the growth of Adriamycin-resistant human mammary adenocarcinoma by blocking access of cancer cells to ATP and by inhibiting the actions of plasma membrane glycoprotein. Soursop is thought that the extract is able to block the cancer cell’s access to ATP, the source of energy for the cancer cell.

GraviolaThe oldest researches were between 1941 and 1962. The findings of the various studies have showed the plant’s antispasmodic, hypotensive, cardiotonic and vasodilator effects. The first cancer research on graviola was conducted in 1976 by the “National Cancer Institute“. In plant screening, the stem and leaves of graviola showed active cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Their results reported that the Graviola were effective in destroying malignant cancer cells.

In 1997, researches at “Purdue University” proved that annonaceous acetogenins appeared especially effective at destroying cells that had survived chemotherapy. A study conducted at “Purdue University”, showed that the acetogenins can selectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells and furthermore inhibit the growth of tumor cells resistant to doxorubicin, respecting the integrity of cells healthy tissue. Many of the annonaceous acetogenins have a cytotoxicity with ED50 values as low as 10-9 ug/ml. In other study performed by experts at the “Purdue University”, it was demonstrated that the acetogenins of graviola are very strong to have an ED50  of up to 10 to 9 micrograms per milliliter, resulting to have about 10,000 times the power of adriamycin.

A 2001 study reported in the “Journal of Natural Products” proved that graviola contains different compounds found to be toxic to human liver cancer cells. A laboratory experiment reported in the July 2011 edition of Nutrition and Cancer demonstrated that graviola inhibits EGF receptor production and slows the growth of human breast cancer cells cultured in test tubes and grafted onto mice. In another study, researchers at “Universidad de Antioquia” showed that graviola extract inhibit the growth of a lymphoma cell line named U-937. According to a study published in the May 2011 edition of the Journal of Asian Natural Products Research found that acetogenins stopped malignant tumor cell growth.

Theobromine Benefits

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Theobromine belongs to a class of alkaloid molecules called as methylxanthines. Occurs naturally in cocoa, cola nuts and tea. The cocoa bean is nature’s most concentrated source of theobromine. In 1841, theobromine was first discovered in cacao beans by a Russian chemist by the name of Alexander Woskresensky, and it was synthesized from xanthine afterwards.

Theobromine Benefits

Like many alkaloid, theobromine has a range of effects on the body. Theobromine, acts as a diuretic, vasodilator, cardiac stimulant, and smooth muscle relaxant. Has a ten fold lower stimulating property to humans than caffeine does.

The alkaloids caffeine and theobromine are responsible for the stimulant effect of cacao and chocolate. Chocolate contains 0.5-2.7% theobromine. Theobromine levels are maximal in dark chocolates. Milk chocolates contains about 2gr to 5 gr theobromine per kg. 1 oz. of white chocolate contains almost 1 mg.

Cough is a common and protective reflex, however persistent coughing is debilitating and impaired quality of life. A 2004 study reported by “Imperial College London” concluded that theobromine has an cough-reducing property superior to codeine by suppressing vagus nerve activity. Theobromine was found to work directly on the vagus nerve, which is responsible for triggering coughing. A British drugs company called SEEK is helping develop a medication based on a medication called theobromine, that it says “has been shown to inhibit the inappropriate firing of the vagus nerve, which is a key feature of persistent cough.

All methylxanthines have been shown to relax the smooth muscle of the bronchi in the lungs. Theobromine and theophylline are termed as methylxanthines and are used in the management of asthma bronchiale. Methylxanthines produce a relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscle and so are helping to open up constricted airways.

Trimethylglycine Benefits and Dosage

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Trimethylglycine (TMG), commonly known as betaine, is naturally produced in the body to diminish hazardous homocysteine levels. Researches have suggested that TMG, along with other nutrients, helps to reduce potentially toxic levels of homocysteine a naturally occurring amino acid that can be harmful to blood vessels thereby contributing to the development of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular illness. Trimethylglycine works closely with other methyl donors including choline,  vitamin B12,folic acid  and SAMe, and is in addition a precursor of carnitine synthesis.

Trimethylglycine helps convert homocysteine to methionine by donating a methyl group. The process is called methylation, because a methyl group  detaches from a “donor” molecule and attaches onto the homocysteine molecule, converting this potentially toxic amino acid back into methionine.

Once trimethylglycine work has been completed in decreasing homocysteine levels in the body, it becomes another substance known as DMG (dimethylglycine). In Russia, TMG/DMG is used extensively as an sporty performance enhancer, and it has also become popular among American athletes.

Trimethylglycine Benefits

Trimethylglycine is a important aid to reduce homocysteine production and encourage normal heart and  liver function.

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid, formed as a result of methionine metabolism. Healthy people, homocysteine is converted back into methionine as part of a closed-loop regulatory mechanism that prevents homocysteine levels from becoming too high. The process is called methylation, because a methyl group detaches from a “donor” molecule and attaches onto the homocysteine molecule, converting this potentially toxic amino acid back into methionine. Having high amounts of homocysteine is related to a higher risk of heart illness and stroke. Also, various researches show that high levels of homocysteine may encourage hardening of the arteries.

Trimethylglycine serves as a methyl donor in a reaction converting homocysteine to methionine. Works with vitamin B-6, folic acid and vitamin B12 to help regulate homocysteine levels. Trimethylglycine (500 mg) was administered to healthy male subjects (19-40 years old) finding homocysteine levels were reduced 4 to 6 hours after intake. Analysts concluded TMG capability to augment L-methionine production decreased homocysteine concentrations. In another study, participants who consumed 360 mg of betaine had, on approximate, 10 percent lower concentrations of homocysteine and 19 percent lower concentrations of Creactive protein than did those who consumed 260 mg.

A 2009 study examined the effect of trimethylglycine on atherosclerotic lesion progression in apolipoprotein e-deficient mice. Compared with mice not treated with trimethylglycine following fourteen weeks, mice receiving 1%, 2%, or 4% TMG had 10.8%, 41%, and 37% less lesion areas, respectively. Trimethylglycine furthermore reduced aortic expression of the inflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha, in a dose-dependent way. These findings suggest that in addition to its homocysteine lowering effect, trimethylglycine may also exert its anti-plaque property by inhibiting aortic inflammatory responses mediated by TNF-alpha.

Homocystinuria

Homocystinuria, an inherited condition in which the body cannot break down a certain protein, causing build-up of homocysteine in the blood. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved anhydrous trimethylglycine (Cystadane) for the therapy of homocystinuria, a disease caused by abnormally high homocysteine levels at birth.

Liver Health

Trimethylglycine, is a substance known as a methyl donor. Methyl molecule donation is important for liver and cells to function appropriately. In other words, TMG is necessary for ensuring appropriate liver function, cellular replication and detoxification reactions.

Trimethylglycine may remedy in treating hepatitis, alcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Works with folic acid, vitamin B12, folic acid, SAMe, (S-Adenosyl-L-methionine), and choline in your body to support normal liver health. In a trial, supplementation with betaine (20 g) for 12 months improved signs of liver inflammation in 7 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a type of liver inflammation. No important  adverse effects were seen.

Foods Containing Trimethylglycine

Broccoli, beets, spinach, grains, seeds and shellfish contain low amounts of trimethylglycine. But, most trimethylglycine in nutrient is destroyed during cooking or processing, therefore food isn’t a reliable way to get a effective dosage.

Trimethylglycine Dosage

Trimethylglycine supplements, are available in powder, capsule and tablet forms. These supplements, are manufactured as a byproduct of sugar beet processing. Trimethylglycine is generally taken with vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12. 6 grams of TMG per day is considered a effective dose in the reduction of high homocysteine levels. Choline (2 grams per day) and trimethylglycine (6 grams per day) have each been shown to lower homocysteine amounts. The maximum safe dosage of TMG supplement has not been determined for pregnant or nursing women, children, or those with severe kidney or liver illness.