June 2005 | Whole Health

Body Talk

by Elana Verbin

Currying Favor Against Alzheimer’s

Curcumin, the pigment that gives curry spice its ocher hue, may also have the power to break up accumulated plaque deposits in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. UCLA researchers have shown that mice who consumed curcumin as part of their diets showed a reduction of beta-amyloid proteins in their brains. Accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain is one of the markers of Alzheimer’s disease. The new findings suggest that curcumin could be capable of both treating Alzheimer’s and lowering a person’s risk of developing the disease. So, it comes as no surprise that rates of Alzheimer’s disease in India are among the lowest in the world, given that the spice is not only a dietary staple but is also prescribed by doctors for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments. Now Western medicine seems to be catching up. Researchers report that curry’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties show hope not only for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, but for cancer and heart disease as well.

Is Sunscreen Making Us Vitamin D Deficient?

Blame it on SPF 30 or too many indoor hours, but most adults don’t seem to be getting enough vitamin D these days. This essential nutrient plays an important role in preserving bones and protecting us against cancer and arthritis. Vitamin D is produced by the skin, which relies on ultraviolet light to complete the process. With sun block use outdoors (and computer use indoors) on the rise, production of vitamin D through this means is inhibited. Making matters worse, our bodies’ ability to manufacture vitamin D declines with age and most adults don’t eat enough vitamin D-rich foods. Previous daily requirements were posted at 200 IU for those aged 19-50; 400 IU for those 51-70; and 600 IU for those 70 and over. Now a growing number of scientists believe that most adults over the age of 19 may need a daily dose of at least 1000 IU to protect against breast and prostate cancer, MS, lupus and several other illnesses. But rather than toss aside your sunscreen (see related story), opt for vitamin D-fortified beverages and cereals or consider taking a supplement.

Peppermint Prescription for Road Rage

Don’t head down the freeway on-ramp without first arming yourself with essential oils. New research shows that cinnamon and peppermint may curb driver fatigue, increase alertness and ease frustration behind the wheel. While it was long known that the scents of peppermint and cinnamon boost alertness, Bryan Raudenbush, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at West Virginia’s Wheeling Jesuit University, decided to test this in a simulated driving experiment. Here’s what he discovered: Peppermint has the power to decrease anxiety and fatigue while driving, and both peppermint and cinnamon decrease driving frustration and increase alertness. Best results come from stimulation directly to the nose—while gum and mints produce similar effects, the scent part is diminished when it’s delivered through the mouth. So the next time you get cut off on the highway or stuck in gridlock, rub one of these remedies on your dashboard or whip out your inhaler and take a deep breath. (Peppermint inhalers are available at www.sportsinhaler.com.)

Elana Verbin is a holistic health counselor and journalist. Visit her blog at foodtherapy.blogspot.com

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