Just when you thought you were only being cheap, there is a good reason to think twice about popcorn at the movies—not purchasing it, but working in industries that manufacture it.
Researchers have found that diacetyl (DA) amplifies the damage done by an abnormal brain protein. This protein is in turn linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Besides popcorn, DA is used in making “buttery flavor” margarine and baked goods as well as other packaged snacks.
The study, published in the American Chemical Society’s journal, Chemical Research in Toxicology, has also been reviewed on Science Daily online. The issue is that DA can cause clumping of beta-amyloid proteins and can cross the blood-brain barrier. And it does this at the same level of exposure that workers exposed to it in real situations find.
On the other hand, a study from a landmark trial in Spain has shown that the brain benefits from the Mediterranean diet when supplemented by eating nuts and olive oil. Eating a Mediterranean diet means enjoying foods in season with a reliance on plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, and olives, as well as cheese, chicken, turkey, and shrimp, oysters, salmon, tuna, lobster, flounder, and tilapia.
Olive oil is used in cooking and at the table, and wine is often part of meals as well. Red meat and sugar are deemphasized.
The study results demonstrated that the risk of cardiovascular diseases was reduced by 30% and the risk of stroke by 49%, compared to attempts to lower these risks by a low-fat diet.
The study was published by the New England Journal of Medicine on February 25. It included about 7500 participants between 55 and 80 years old, following them for almost 5 years on the average.
Linda Chalmer Zemel teaches in the Communication Department at SUNY Buffalo State College.
Contact Linda at writer14221@yahoo.com
Check out Linda’s Buffalo Books column, too!
Please note: Articles by the Buffalo Alternative Medicine Examiner are not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For further information or advice, consult your health practitioner.
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