Supplements in the News

Supplements in the News

Omega-3 oils help with mood

We already have research showing that the artificial “trans-fats” found in a variety of processed foods lead to increased risk of heart disease and cancer.  A new study now shows an association between trans-fats and aggressive, impulsive behavior.

Naturally occurring fatty acids generally have a “V” shape.  The trans-fat configurations look more like a straight line.  Trans-fats are not natural yet when consumed they are incorporated into cell membranes and alter the normal functions of the cell.  They raise cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.  They also have a detrimental effect on the brain and nervous tissue, altering nerve cell communications and causing nerve degeneration.

Lead author, Beatrice A. Golomb, MD, PhD, from the University of California, San Diego, states "there were studies showing that omega-3 fatty acids were associated with increased agreeableness and reduced impulsivity, and there's evidence that trans fats adversely affect ability to create the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that are favorable for your brain, and that prompted us to study this further".

The researchers noted that higher intake of trans-fats was associated with significant increases in aggression, impatience, and irritability.  Public health initiatives such as that in New York City, have implemented laws to limit the amount of trans-fats used by restaurants.  

To avoid trans-fats, simply avoid processed, packaged and fast-foods, instead focus on filling your pantry with high quality oils that do not contain trans-fats or hydrogenated oils.  Use the highly stable, healthy coconut oil for cooking.  Use the “gold-standard” extra-virgin olive oil in salads and for dipping – be careful cooking with olive oil as it is moderately delicate and under heat can turn into the trans-fat structure.  When eating out start by staying clear of the fried stuff!  

Here yet again is evidence that we might all do well to supplement with an omega-3 oil.  Fish oil still tops the charts as the best source.  Krill oil is a bit better but I question if the difference is worth the price.  Flaxseed is great, but in capsule form not nearly as potent of source for omega-3 oils – I prefer to just eat flaxseed in cereals and baked goods.

Green coffee beans help with weight loss

Research headed by Joe Vinson, PhD, professor of chemistry at the University of Scranton, has reported preliminary results that unroasted-green coffee beans can help with weight loss.  The scientists are not sure exactly which compounds in the unroasted beans facilitated weight loss, but they do not think it is from the caffeine alone.  Vinson says “it may be from the chlorogenic acid found in coffee beans”.  Chlorogenic acid is a plant compound and it may have some effect on keeping down glucose absorption, which in turn would help reduce weight.  
This may be similar to many studies showing that green tea will also help with weight loss.  The health benefits of green tea are well known and are due to the high content of plant derived antioxidants called flavonoids.  Catechins are the main flavonoid in tea and are more powerful than vitamin C and E for controlling oxidative damage to the body.  
The main catechin in green tea that seems to provide the weight loss benefits is a compound called epigallocatechine (EGCG).  The EGCG boosts norepinephrine which is an energy producing and appetite suppressing neurotransmitter.  Green and black teas have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, presumably in part due to keeping bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, increasing the good HDL cholesterol and improving artery function.  
A Chinese study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed a 46%-65% reduced risk of high blood pressure in people who regularly drank oolong or green tea, compared to non-drinkers of tea.  I’ll never forget reading the results from the 1999 Boston Area Health Study, printed in the Journal of Epidemiology, which showed a 48% decreased risk of heart attack in patients drinking one or more cup/day of tea.  That struck me then as simply powerful medicine!
I recommend enjoying black and green teas, along with modest coffee consumption.  Ditch the sodas or energy drinks and go for the gold standard – just plain old unsweetened green tea.  If you don’t particularly like tea, there are numerous supplements that have concentrations of the health promoting flavonoids found in tea.
Chocolate helps with weight loss
Here’s a study to make you smile…  Beatrice A. Golomb, MD, PhD, the same author of the study mentioned above, also released data this month from a study showing that increased frequency of chocolate intake was associated with a lower body mass index.  Now you’re interested!
The study authors note "the connection of higher chocolate consumption frequency to lower body mass index is opposite to associations presumed based on calories alone, but concordant with a growing body of literature suggesting that the character — as well as the quantity — of calories has an impact on metabolic syndrome factors".  
This study points out some of the health benefits of cocoa beans but it also implies that the quality of what we eat is just as important as the quantity.  For a treat, I do highly recommend chocolate, especially those with high cocoa concentrations of 70% or more.
How to choose supplements
How do you know what supplements to take?  Which ones have evidence for safety and effectiveness?  How in world can you make sense of the many different brands?  Is brand X really worth the increased cost compared with brand Y?  
My free seminar on “Supplements:  Why you need them and how to choose them” reviews the literature on evidence based supplements that prevent disease, what you should look for in a multi-vitamin and how to evaluate brands for quality.  Come learn which supplements and brands may be right for you.

Inset

The next free seminars are “Supplements:  Why you need them and how to choose them”, Monday, April 9th, and “Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for Women”, Monday, April 23rd, both at 6pm, at the IMC.  Seating is limited so RSVP at 245-6911 or online at rsvp@imcwc.com.
 
Bio

Scott Rollins, MD, is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.  He specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for men and women, thyroid and adrenal disorders, fibromyalgia, weight loss and other complex medical conditions.  He is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (www.imcwc.com).  Call (970) 245-6911 for an appointment or more information. 

He is also medical director of Integrative Weight Solutions, a holistic, physician supervised HCG weight loss program that incorporates expert evaluation for hormone and digestive health imbalances, exercise physiology, and behavioral support for a powerful and balanced journey to weight loss.  For more information see www.integrativeweightsolutions.com or call 245-0373 to arrange a free consultation.