Would you like Cream with your Coffee, Tea or Dementia?

by Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc. In the January issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers just announced findings that will send Starbuck’s stock through the roof, and validated what I have been telling my patients’ for over 15 years – Coffee IS GREAT for you!!!  Here’s the scoop. Researchers in Finland and Sweden examined the medical records of 1,409 people whose coffee drinking habits had been recorded when they were at midlife (average age 50).

Their conclusion was that those who drank between three to five cups of coffee a day in midlife were much less likely to developed dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in follow-up checks, two decades or more later.  In fact, coffee reduced the risk factor by 65%

The researchers would not speculate on coffee’s mechanism of action, but did say that it’s most likely coffee’s antioxidant properties have the biggest influence.  If that data wasn’t good enough, coffee also lowers the risk of type II diabetes, which is another risk factor for developing dementia.

The only sad news that came from the study was that drinking tea had no effect on decreasing the risk of dementia or Alzheimer disease development.

So the next time you’re having that 21oz Celebes with a touch of whole cream and teaspoon of turbinado sugar, it’s not just for the decadent, luxurious taste of it, it’s your medicine.

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My Favorite Exotic Superfoods, for Now

Superfoods are nutrient dense and possess large doses of phyto-nutrients like: vitamins, minerals and fiber, and potent antioxidants like: polyphenols, xanthones and polysaccharides. Consuming Superfruits, in my opinion will reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and prolong one’s life. I have noticed people who consume superfruits on a regular basis are happier, healthier and fitter than those who don’t. This is not a be-all-end-all list. There are many others such as blueberries, red raspberries, Muscadine grape and others. This is just my list of the in the “NOW” six.

1. Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) High natural vitamin C content with all the synergists. It’s great for maintaining the youthfulness and integrity of our connective tissues (skin, ligaments and tendons), keeping the immune system stimulated and as a potent antioxidant. Color – Orange

2. Goji (Lycium barbarum) I admire it for is ability to modulate the endocrine system and as a potent adaptogen. Color – Red/Orange

3. Noni (Morinda citrifolia) When taken on an empty stomach it helps modulate cellular repair. Color – Red

4. Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart) Possesses an extremely huge polyphenol content thus is a very potent free radical scavenger. Color – Purple/Black

5. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) possesses potent antioxidants (xanthones) that can cross the blood-brain barrier and become an effective instrument in treating conditions affecting the brain. Color – Purple

6. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Is an all-around antioxidant bad boy, though I primarily use it for the prostate. Color – Red

I recommend a variety of yellow, orange, red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables every day. There is no magic or best fruit vegetable. Mangosteen or acai are not better or superior to goji, blueberries or noni, just different. Every fruit and vegetable is unique and special. Each possesses its unique combination of phyto-nutrients and antioxidants. The important thing to remember is to never relay on a single fruit of vegetable (Mona Vie, Xango, FreeLife, Morinda, and Sebu…All MLM companies). Consume a multi-colored variety everyday for best results and health.

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

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