In this issue:
Meow,
Phosphatidylserine Basics
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid that is crucial for proper brain cell
structure and function.
Phospholipids are major components – the “glue” so to speak -- in brain cell
membranes, which ensure brain cell activities function correctly (supporting
both thinking and memory).
Your body actually produces phosphatidylserine, but the amount produced
diminishes with age (and also drops off if you are deficient in folic acid and
vitamin B12).
Unfortunately, there are only trace amounts of phosphatidylserine in most
diets. Thus, supplemental phosphatidylserine can play a pivotal role in
maintaining cognitive functions and positive moods, while also reducing stress
(a nice little bonus, especially during the busy holiday season).
Check out this article, which gives a nod to phosphatidylserine; along with
vitamins C and B, magnesium, and omega-3 fish oils; for reducing stress:
http://www.metropulse.com/articles/2005/15_51/new_health.shtml
Phosphatidylserine has been well studied in clinical trials, including trials
involving in Alzheimer’s patients.
Click here to an excerpt from a booklet, written by Paris M. Kidd, who
has quite a bit of research on phosphatidylserine.
Q&A On Fish Oil And Mercury
The follow question on fish oil and mercury contamination came in to our
President’s inbox last week from a member. After Cindy answered the member so
eloquently, this member sent back a reply, “Thank you! I’m ordering and
forwarding your email to others!”
Since this is an important and popular subject, I am passing on the question
and Cindy’s answer all our “inquiring minds.”
Q: Please tell me how to analyze the results of your mercury testing
for your Fish Oil.
How much is .972 parts per billion compared to other products?
A: Our result shows less than 1 ppb (0.972 parts per billion) -- a
very good test result.
The FDA's safe limit for mercury for human consumption is 1,000 parts per
billion (ppb).
More often, marketers will use a much less sensitive testing process and show
their results to be "below detectable limits," but not say what "detectable" is,
since there is no industry standard for this claim.
This is a common supplement industry trick - to create "fear, uncertainty,
and doubt" through linguistic art and marketing angles.
This means that our
Fish Oil
result on mercury – at less than 1 part per billion – is more
than a thousand times under the FDA's allowable standard for safety and
up to 10 times below other products claiming "undetectable amounts" or
“under 10 ppb.”
Moreover, at Our Health Co-op, we use a proven supplier, which adheres to the
strict European Union regulations and California's even more stringent standard
for PCBs, lead, mercury, and other toxins - otherwise the oils would not be
released for manufacture. And, our supplier does use a molecular distillation
process, which is the process that eliminates virtually all toxins and heavy
metals, not just mercury.
We could tell you stories about more expensive brands, but prefer to let
science and our own test results do the talking. We would be happy to compare
test results, but won’t be holding our breath on that one!
Health in the News
Holiday Wishes
We are grateful for so many things in 2005, not the least of which was the
privilege of reading so many stories of improved health from our members during
the year. Please keep sharing your stories.
Meanwhile, we’re sending you our very warmest wishes for a very happy,
healthy, blessed, and safe holiday season!
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op
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