A natural oil from a fruit
with lots of health benefits, palm oil is one of the best gifts to us from
Mother Nature, writes Tan Bee Hong.
PALM oil, produced from the fruit of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), contains a variety of fats, vitamins and nutrients, with no unhealthy trans-fatty acids that is mainly found in hydrogenated oils.
Palm oil is free of artery-clogging trans-fats as it is made up of a mixture of fatty acids and contains valuable vitamins and nutrition that our bodies need. It is rich in phytonutrients such as natural carotenes, tocotrienols and tocopherols (Vitamin E) and co-enzyme Q10.
ANTI-CANCER EFFECTS
PALM oil, produced from the fruit of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), contains a variety of fats, vitamins and nutrients, with no unhealthy trans-fatty acids that is mainly found in hydrogenated oils.
Palm oil is free of artery-clogging trans-fats as it is made up of a mixture of fatty acids and contains valuable vitamins and nutrition that our bodies need. It is rich in phytonutrients such as natural carotenes, tocotrienols and tocopherols (Vitamin E) and co-enzyme Q10.
ANTI-CANCER EFFECTS
Studies on the
health benefits of palm oil show it has anti-cancer properties and the fatty
acids of palm oil can inhibit and/or delay experimental
carcinogenesis.
In the United States, Dr Paul Sylvester, Professor of Pharmacology and director of Graduate Studies and Research at the College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana, has conducted studies that demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of dietary palm oil (Sylvester et al., Cancer Research 46:757, 1986).
“In these studies, we investigated the effects of different types of high fat diets on mammary tumour development and discovered that nearly all of the different high fat diets were found to stimulate tumour development regardless of whether the diets were formulated with different animal versus vegetable fats or saturated versus unsaturated fats,” said Dr Sylvester who has been researching on the health benefits of tocotrienols for nearly 25 years.
“The notable exception to this finding was the observation that high dietary intake of palm oil suppressed carcinogen-induced mammary tumourigenesis in experimental animals. Palm oil differs from other animal and vegetable fats in that it naturally contains high levels of tocotrienols.”
LOWER TUMOUR INCIDENCE
In the United States, Dr Paul Sylvester, Professor of Pharmacology and director of Graduate Studies and Research at the College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana, has conducted studies that demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of dietary palm oil (Sylvester et al., Cancer Research 46:757, 1986).
“In these studies, we investigated the effects of different types of high fat diets on mammary tumour development and discovered that nearly all of the different high fat diets were found to stimulate tumour development regardless of whether the diets were formulated with different animal versus vegetable fats or saturated versus unsaturated fats,” said Dr Sylvester who has been researching on the health benefits of tocotrienols for nearly 25 years.
“The notable exception to this finding was the observation that high dietary intake of palm oil suppressed carcinogen-induced mammary tumourigenesis in experimental animals. Palm oil differs from other animal and vegetable fats in that it naturally contains high levels of tocotrienols.”
LOWER TUMOUR INCIDENCE
The findings were confirmed in subsequent studies that showed carcinogen-induced mammary tumour incidence was lower in rats fed high palm oil diets as compared to rats fed diets high in other dietary fats, he said, adding that palm oil diets stripped of tocotrienols were found to enhance mammary tumorigenesis in rats.
There has been a massive amount of evidence that further characterised the anti-cancer action of palm tocotrienols. It is now well-established that tocotrienols, in contrast to tocopherols (the more common form of vitamin E), display potent antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity against a wide range of cancers at treatment doses that have little or no effect on normal cell growth and function.
Dr Sylvester said it has also been established that combined treatment of palm tocotrienol with other traditional chemotherapies very often results in a synergistic inhibition in cancer cell growth and viability. Since combination therapy of tocotrienol with other chemotherapeutic agents requires significantly lower treatment doses to suppress cancer cell growth and survival, an additional benefit can also be realised in a corresponding reduction in adverse side effects and toxicity characteristically associated with high dose chemotherapy.
Recent studies in the areas of tocotrienol kinetics have provided essential information required for understanding the therapeutic limitations of oral administration of tocotrienols.
OTHER BENEFITS
Intensive
research into the health benefits of palm oil also show that it helps in the
reduction in the risk of arterial thrombosis and atherosclerosis, inhibition of
cholesterol biosynthesis and platelet aggregation, and reduction in blood
pressure.
In a study comparing palm, soya bean, peanut oils and lard, researchers in China found that palm oil actually increased the levels of good cholesterol and reduced the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood (Zhang et al. 1997).
According to the book, The Palm Oil Miracle by Dr Bruce Fife, benefits of palm oil include, apart from those mentioned earlier, better eye health, immunity boost, better blood circulation, improved nutrient absorption, strengthens bones and teeth, and protects against mental deterioration.
LONG HISTORY
In a study comparing palm, soya bean, peanut oils and lard, researchers in China found that palm oil actually increased the levels of good cholesterol and reduced the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood (Zhang et al. 1997).
According to the book, The Palm Oil Miracle by Dr Bruce Fife, benefits of palm oil include, apart from those mentioned earlier, better eye health, immunity boost, better blood circulation, improved nutrient absorption, strengthens bones and teeth, and protects against mental deterioration.
LONG HISTORY
People have
been using palm oil for cooking for thousands of years. Today, it is used all
over the world as cooking oil as well as in the production of a huge variety of
food products.
Because palm oil is naturally semi-solid at room temperature, it does not require hydrogenation, making it a good replacement for partially hydrogenated oils. It provides the same “hard or solid” fat needed to produce pastries, cookies and other food items that require long shelf stability and a particular texture.
NEURO-PROTECTIVE
Because palm oil is naturally semi-solid at room temperature, it does not require hydrogenation, making it a good replacement for partially hydrogenated oils. It provides the same “hard or solid” fat needed to produce pastries, cookies and other food items that require long shelf stability and a particular texture.
NEURO-PROTECTIVE
Professor Yuen
Kah Hay of Universiti Sains Malaysia is presently conducting a study to assess
the neuro-protective, anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective properties of
tocotrienols (palm vitamin E) supplementation as determined by white matter
lesion load on serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), carotid artery magnetic
resonance angiography (MRA) and liver ultrasound (US) as well as lipid profile
analysis.
He says: “The results are very encouraging. This is the first study to show that in humans. Tocotrienols is a supplement, not a drug, so it can be taken as a daily dietary supplement for neuroprotection.”
He and his team found that there was regression of white matter lesion load in terms of numbers and size in the brain (time frame: 1-2 years). Secondary results include regression of the carotid artery stenoses in terms of percentage and an improvement in liver echogenicity.
He says: “The results are very encouraging. This is the first study to show that in humans. Tocotrienols is a supplement, not a drug, so it can be taken as a daily dietary supplement for neuroprotection.”
He and his team found that there was regression of white matter lesion load in terms of numbers and size in the brain (time frame: 1-2 years). Secondary results include regression of the carotid artery stenoses in terms of percentage and an improvement in liver echogenicity.
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What tocotrienols do
09 April 2012 | Last updated at 08:29PM
Vitamin E, an essential nutrient for the body, is made up of four variants of tocopherols and another four called tocotrienols. Tocopherols are sourced from oilseeds such as soya oil, canola and sunflower, while tocotrienols are only found in abundance in palm oil and rice bran oil. What can tocotrienols do that tocopherols cannot?
Tocotrienols inhibit cholesterol production in the liver, thereby lowering total blood cholesterol. Alpha tocotrienol suppresses hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity that results in the lowering of LDL cholesterol levels. Tocotrienols, which are naturally occurring in palm oil, have been shown to suppress lower plasma cholesterol in humans.
REVERSES ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
A study showed that patients with confirmed carotid arteriosclerosis, who consumed 240mg of palm based tocotrienols per day for 18-36 months, had a decrease in the amount of cholesterol plaque in their carotid artery while those receiving placebo did not show such an effect.
ANTI-CANCER AND TUMOUR SUPPRESSIVE
Palm oil tocotrienols has been shown to inhibit human breast cancer cells. Delta-tocotrienol was found to be the most effective tocotrienols in inducing apoptosis (cell death) in human breast cancer cells and Gamma-tocotrienol is three times more potent in inhibiting growth of human breast cancer cultured cells than Tamoxifen.
NATURAL ANTIOXIDANT
Alpha-tocotrienol has been shown to be 40-60 times more potent than alpha-tocopherol as an antioxidant.
LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE
In a test on rats, palm gamma-tocotrienol shows the ability to prevent development of increased blood pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) after 3 months of supplementation.
http://www.nst.com.my/life-times/health/what-tocotrienols-do-1.72300
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Kernel of possibility
By EDWARD R. HENRY
starhealth@thestar.com.my
Sunday April 8, 2012
Palm oil is a good choice to help improve health.
PALM OIL has been the preferred cooking oil among South-East Asians due to its health properties, versatility, affordable price and naturally good resistance against rancidity, as opposed to other vegetable oils.
Distinguished for its health benefits, palm oil has been promoted by researchers as a healthier choice as it has zero trans-fat, and is bland and odourless.
 |
| Palm oil is good to prevent stroke and bleeding in the brain. — DR PRAKASH ADHIKARI |
“According to studies, palm oil increases the good HDL cholesterol without raising the overall cholesterol levels. It is also effective at reducing the level of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol that is linked to heart disease.
“It also contains essential fatty acids required for bone, joint and skin health. Palm oil has a low polyunsaturated fat content — a contrast to its richness in antioxidants like vitamin E, tocotrienols and beta-carotene, combined to give the oil a distinctive reddish tint,” he says.
Vitamin E protects arteries from thickening, and the skin from toxins and UV radiation.
Like other saturated oils, palm oil needs no “hydrogenation” to increase the shelf life of its food products, as all its carbon atoms are linked to each other and a pair of hydrogen atoms, meaning that it is fully saturated.
Palm oil is easily obtained from the fruit by pressing and squeezing it.
It is reddish in colour and suitable for both commercial and home cooking.
Dr Adhikari says palm oil can be separated into two forms by fractionation, where it is separated under controlled thermal conditions into solid and liquid forms.
“Called stearin, the solid form is used to make solid fats such as margarine.
“The liquid part called olein is more healthy, and used by food makers,” he says.
So, a higher intake of antioxidants can help prevent heart disease, arthritis, atherosclerosis, and certain cancers, as well as slow down the aging process, he explains.
“Researchers have found that tocotrienol, a natural compound in vitamin E, blocks the function of an enzyme in the brain that causes brain cells to die after a stroke.
“Vitamin E occurs naturally in foods in eight different forms (four tocopherols: alpha, beta, gamma and delta-tocopherol and four tocotrienols: alpha, beta, gamma and delta-tocotrienol), each of which has unique, as well as complementary biological actions that target specific pathways to protect against neural cell death and rescues the brain after stroke injury,” adds Dr Adhikari.
He shares that another added health benefit of palm oil is its nutrients’ resilience to heat.
“Some vegetable oils, if heated to high temperatures, will lose their nutritional value, but with palm oil, studies have shown otherwise, suggesting it can be heated during cooking without eliminating its phytonutrient content,” he says.
He adds that palm oil can be used as a substitute for cooking needs like greasing, shortening and frying.
Malaysians find palm oil ideal for frying foods, and also for stir-frying, as the smoking point is high
.
“Palm oil does not contain proteins at all, and there are no known allergies from palm oil. Though there has been a lot of bad media hype about the so called “tropical oils” in the past, most of the negative campaign claims have not been substantiated in recent research,” he says.
“Baked goods, infant formula, cake mixes and instant noodles all contain palm oil as one of the ingredients,” he adds.
 |
| Palm oil has a high heating point and is good for frying. — MOHAMED METWALLY |
Savola Foods Product Development Innovations senior innovations manager Mohamed Metwally opines that palm oil is excellent for cooking and baking.
“It consists of 50% saturated fatty acids, 40% monounsaturated fatty acids, and 10% polyunsaturated fatty acids.
“The high saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid content makes palm oil heat resistant and stable at high cooking or frying temperatures.
“The high saturated fat and antioxidant content makes it extremely resistant to oxidation and free-radical formation,” he says.
According to a researcher, if a person has sustained a cut, they can use palm oil to heal the injured part.
Reputed to have a beneficial healing effect, the oil, when applied in a small amount to a wound, can aid in healing, similar to an iodine tincture.
Malaysians wanting a healthy substitute for baking cookies during the festive seasons can replace other fats with palm oil.
As you cannot tell the difference, palm oil can be an excellent and easy way to help improve health, and still maintain the same taste.
http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2012/4/8/health/10968865&sec=health
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Palm Oil Protects Your Brain
Study shows tocotrienols in palm oil protect brain cells
In a study published in the prestigious Journal of Biological Chemistry (April 2000), researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that tocotrienols, especially alpha-tocotrienol, protects glutamate-induced death of neuronal cells (brain cells). This study also provided the first evidence describing the molecular basis of tocotrienol action. Tocotrienols are a special, super potent form of vitamin E found in palm oil.
There are two types of vitamin E. Tocopherol is the type we are most familiar with. Tocotrienol is the less common form that is found in abundance in palm oil. Each form of vitamin E has four subgroups designated by alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. Alpha-tocopherol is the most common form of vitamin E. It is the form we see in vitamin supplements and fortified foods. Alpha-tocotrienol is the most abundant form of vitamin E in palm oil. Researchers have found that alpha-tocotrienol from palm oil has up to 60 times the antioxidant activity as alpha-tocopherol.
Oxidative damage due to free radicals or reactive oxygen species has been implicated in age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. In the pathogenesis of these diseases, oxidative damage may accumulate over a period of years, leading to massive neuronal loss. A major contributor to pathologic cell death within the nervous system is glutamate toxicity and appears to be mediated by reactive oxygen species. The induction of oxidative stress by excitatory amino acid such as glutamate has been demonstrated to be the primary cause of death of certain types of neuronal cells. Glutamate is used by researchers to induce neurological damage in lab studies. We get glutamate in our diet from monosodium glutamate (MSG), “natural flavoring” added to foods, and soy products, to mention a few.
In the study it was found that at low concentrations of tocotrienols were more effective than alpha-tocopherol (the common form of vitamin E) in preventing glutamate-induced brain cell death. At higher concentrations, the glutamate-induced neuronal cells not only recovered after 6 hours of glutamate treatment, the tocotrienols, and especially alpha-tocotrienol, provided complete protection against further loss of cell viability.
It was also interesting to note that among the tocotrienols (alpha and gamma fractions), the alpha-tocotrienol was more effective than gamma-tocotrienol in protecting the neuronal cells.
The researchers went on to study the protective effect of the free-form and esterified-form of alpha-tocotrienol in glutamate-induced death of neuronal cells. It was found that the free-form was preferentially absorbed by the cells and due to this preferential uptake of the free-form tocotrienol, it confers higher protection against glutamate-induced death of brain cells.
In order to explain the neuroprotective property of tocotrienols, the researchers looked at the involvement of signal transduction pathways in the glutamate-induced cell death. Studies have shown that inhibitors of protein-tyrosine kinase activity completely prevented glutamate-induced cell death. It was evident from the study that tocotrienols inhibited the activation of c-Src tyrosine kinase activity. Inhibition of c-Src kinase activity has significant implications and may explain other protective properties of tocotrienols. For example, studies have shown that many intracellular pathways can be stimulated upon Src activation and a variety of cellular consequences can result, including morphological and cell proliferation. One of them is human breast cancer. Increased in Src tyrosine kinase activity has been implicated in the progression of breast cancer. Mammary tumors and human skin tumors possess elevated c-Src tyrosine kinase activity. Because of the key involvement of Src kinase activity in various oncogenesis, inhibitors of these kinases are being studied as potential candidates for anti-cancer drugs. Tocotrienols with their ability to inhibit the activation of Src kinase activity holds potential as natural complimentary phytonutrient in preventing these cancers. However, more studies need to be carried out to confirm this effect.
In summary, this enlightening study demonstrated that naturally occurring tocotrienols especially alpha-tocotrienol may be an effective natural phytonutrient in preventing age-related neurodegenerative disease and certain type of c-Src kinase-mediated cancers. Palm oil has the highest level of alpha-tocotrienol. Even though the study was carried out in cultured neuronal cells, it nevertheless showed promising results in the protection of these cells.
There are several possible interpretations of this study. Some scientists think that we need actual human trials to confirm the effect of tocotrienols in preventing age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Previous studies have shown that the ordinary form of vitamin E (tocopherols) confer protection against Alzheimer’s disease. Tocotrienol from palm oil has shown to be even better at protecting neuronal cells. While it is important to get clinical studies, it is unreasonable for those people who could benefit, to wait for 5 or 10 years for the results of studies, when they can do something right now. The evidence from this study and many other studies is good enough to start using palm oil to take advantage of its protective tocotrienols. There is no compelling reason not to.
For further information and studies showing the neuroprotective and anticancer effects of palm oil read The Palm Oil Miracle by Dr. Bruce Fife, available at www.piccadillybooks.com or www.amazon.com.
This website is for informational purposes only, and is educational in nature. Statements made here have not been evaluated by the FDA. Nothing stated on this website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/po-protects-your-brain-article.htm
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Vitamin E: Super Antioxidant We Only Thought We Knew
ProHealth.com
by Karen Lee Richards*
March 23, 2011
Surprisingly there are really two types of vitamin E, and both are potent disease fighters - if kept apart.Discovered in 1922, vitamin E has long been known as a powerful antioxidant. In recent years, however, one particular form of vitamin E - tocotrienol - has been found to be especially effective in promoting lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing arteriosclerosis, suppressing the growth of certain types of cancer in animal and cell line studies, and promoting overall cardiovascular and metabolic health. We tend to think of vitamin E as a single entity. Actually though, vitamin E contains two subgroups - tocopherols (toe KOF er ols) and tocotrienols (toe co TREE en ols). Each group consists of four separate molecules - alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. So all together, vitamin E is a family of eight different nutrients.
The Tale Is in the Tail
Both types of vitamin E, tocopherols and tocotrienols, are good antioxidant molecules that fight disease-causing free radicals. But there is a distinct difference in how they work. That difference lies in the molecules' tails.
• Tocopherols have long, stiff tails that anchor them in the cell membrane,
• While tocotrienols have short, flexible tails that allow them to move around the cell freely and enable them to neutralize free radicals more effectively. In fact, tocotrienols have been found to be 40 to 60 times more potent as antioxidants than tocopherols.
Noted biochemist and food scientist Barrie Tan, PhD, likes to explain the difference between tocopherols and tocotrienols by comparing them to local police and state troopers. Both go after bad guys, but the jurisdiction of the local police is limited to the town boundaries, while the state troopers can cover the entire state.
In the same way, tocopherols and tocotrienols both go after free radicals, but tocopherols are limited to the cell membrane in which they are anchored, while tocotrienols can cover a much larger area.
Discovering a Rich Source of Tocotrienols
In 2000, Dr. Tan went to South America to investigate plant pigments. While in one of the rainforests, he came across the bright red annatto plant. Dr. Tan noticed that the annatto moved, turning its pods toward the sun. This is uncommon for plants of this color because the sun's UV rays would normally damage them. He began to wonder what was in the annatto plant that protected it.
Dr. Tan soon discovered that the annatto's secret was its rich concentration of tocotrienols. Not only does the annatto contain 90% delta-tocotrienols (the most active form) and 10% gamma-tocotrienols, but it has no tocopherols. In fact annatto was the first, and as of yet the only, source of tocotrienols ever found that does not also contain tocopherols.
Why is finding a tocotrienol source that does not contain tocopherols important?
Because in 1996, researchers found that tocopherols interfered with the absorption and metabolism of tocotrienols in the body, blocking their cholesterol-lowering effects. This interference was confirmed in 2010 by a Japanese group which found that alpha-tocopherol interfered with delt-tocotrienol's cancer-suppressing benefits. (1, 1A) Until Dr. Tan's discovery, rice and palm oil had the highest known concentrations of tocotrienols, but both also contain significant amounts of tocopherols.
Health Benefits of Tocotrienols
Ongoing research is revealing a number of exciting health benefits from tocotrienols.
Lowering LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides. Statin drugs lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG CoA reductase (HMGR), the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production. Tocotrienols also inhibit HMGR, by downregulating and degrading the enzyme, but without the negative effects caused by statins.
In addition to inhibiting cholesterol production, statins also inhibit the production of Coenzyme Q10, which is essential to the proper functioning of our mitochondria - the energy powerhouses of our cells. Tocotrienols, by contrast, do not interfere at all with CoQ10 production.
The ability of tocotrienols to inhibit HMGR and reduce cholesterol was first demonstrated in 1992 in a study done by Bristol-Myers Squibb.(2) It was revalidated in a 2006 study conducted at the University of Texas.(3) According to Dr. Tan, “This is an unequivocal proof that tocotrienol reduces cholesterol synthesis [production].”
The next question became, what is the maximum dose of tocotrienols needed for optimal cholesterol-lowering effect?
In a 2002 study, 90 individuals with high cholesterol were administered 25, 50, 100, or 200 mg/day of tocotrienols in combination with a heart-healthy diet. The researchers found that 100 mg/day provided the maximum benefit, lowering LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol levels by 25% and triglycerides by 12%. No additional benefit was found at higher doses.(4)
Preventing Atherosclerosis. Tocotrienols inhibit the development of adhesion molecules – the sticky substances produced in the arteries during the early stages of atherosclerosis. Adhesion molecules act much like fly-paper, collecting circulating blood cells and contributing to plaque buildup and inflammation. By reducing the stickiness, tocotrienols have the potential to stop or possibly reverse the development of atherosclerosis.
This was demonstrated in a 1995 landmark study of 50 people with atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries. The treatment half of the group received 240 mg of tocotrienol along with 60 mg of alpha-tocopherol, while the control half were given a placebo. By the end of the study:
In the same way, tocopherols and tocotrienols both go after free radicals, but tocopherols are limited to the cell membrane in which they are anchored, while tocotrienols can cover a much larger area.
Discovering a Rich Source of Tocotrienols
In 2000, Dr. Tan went to South America to investigate plant pigments. While in one of the rainforests, he came across the bright red annatto plant. Dr. Tan noticed that the annatto moved, turning its pods toward the sun. This is uncommon for plants of this color because the sun's UV rays would normally damage them. He began to wonder what was in the annatto plant that protected it.
Dr. Tan soon discovered that the annatto's secret was its rich concentration of tocotrienols. Not only does the annatto contain 90% delta-tocotrienols (the most active form) and 10% gamma-tocotrienols, but it has no tocopherols. In fact annatto was the first, and as of yet the only, source of tocotrienols ever found that does not also contain tocopherols.
Why is finding a tocotrienol source that does not contain tocopherols important?
Because in 1996, researchers found that tocopherols interfered with the absorption and metabolism of tocotrienols in the body, blocking their cholesterol-lowering effects. This interference was confirmed in 2010 by a Japanese group which found that alpha-tocopherol interfered with delt-tocotrienol's cancer-suppressing benefits. (1, 1A) Until Dr. Tan's discovery, rice and palm oil had the highest known concentrations of tocotrienols, but both also contain significant amounts of tocopherols.
Health Benefits of Tocotrienols
Ongoing research is revealing a number of exciting health benefits from tocotrienols.
Lowering LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides. Statin drugs lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG CoA reductase (HMGR), the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production. Tocotrienols also inhibit HMGR, by downregulating and degrading the enzyme, but without the negative effects caused by statins.
In addition to inhibiting cholesterol production, statins also inhibit the production of Coenzyme Q10, which is essential to the proper functioning of our mitochondria - the energy powerhouses of our cells. Tocotrienols, by contrast, do not interfere at all with CoQ10 production.
The ability of tocotrienols to inhibit HMGR and reduce cholesterol was first demonstrated in 1992 in a study done by Bristol-Myers Squibb.(2) It was revalidated in a 2006 study conducted at the University of Texas.(3) According to Dr. Tan, “This is an unequivocal proof that tocotrienol reduces cholesterol synthesis [production].”
The next question became, what is the maximum dose of tocotrienols needed for optimal cholesterol-lowering effect?
In a 2002 study, 90 individuals with high cholesterol were administered 25, 50, 100, or 200 mg/day of tocotrienols in combination with a heart-healthy diet. The researchers found that 100 mg/day provided the maximum benefit, lowering LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol levels by 25% and triglycerides by 12%. No additional benefit was found at higher doses.(4)
Preventing Atherosclerosis. Tocotrienols inhibit the development of adhesion molecules – the sticky substances produced in the arteries during the early stages of atherosclerosis. Adhesion molecules act much like fly-paper, collecting circulating blood cells and contributing to plaque buildup and inflammation. By reducing the stickiness, tocotrienols have the potential to stop or possibly reverse the development of atherosclerosis.
This was demonstrated in a 1995 landmark study of 50 people with atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries. The treatment half of the group received 240 mg of tocotrienol along with 60 mg of alpha-tocopherol, while the control half were given a placebo. By the end of the study:
• In 88% of the treatment group arterial plaque had either stabilized or been reduced.
• Only 8% of the control group had stabilized, and approximately 60% showed an increase in plaque buildup.(5)
Two additional studies, one in Hawaii(6) and one in Japan,(7) not only confirmed that tocotrienols inhibit adhesion molecules, but also found that tocotrienols may be 30 times more effective against these molecules than tocopherols.
Anticancer Activity. An especially exciting area of tocotrienol research is cancer prevention and treatment. In animal studies, delta- and gamma-tocotrienols were shown to inhibit tumors of the breast, prostate, lung, liver, pancreas and skin.
Tocotrienols appear to help fight cancer by:
Anticancer Activity. An especially exciting area of tocotrienol research is cancer prevention and treatment. In animal studies, delta- and gamma-tocotrienols were shown to inhibit tumors of the breast, prostate, lung, liver, pancreas and skin.
Tocotrienols appear to help fight cancer by:
• Interfering with the process tumor cells use to multiply.
• Inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).
• Neutralizing the chemical that stimulates the development of new blood vessels that are needed for the tumor to grow (anti-angiogenesis).
The Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida is currently conducting Phase I clinical trials using delta-tocotrienol in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest of all cancers. Of the 35,000 Americans who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, 95% do not survive beyond 6-12 months. Moffitt researchers have already found that in cell lines and animal studies, delta-tocotrienol inhibited pancreatic tumor growth, blocked malignant transformation and induced apoptosis.(8)
Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. Because the progress of atherosclerosis is more rapid in type 2 diabetics than in the general population, they are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A 2005 study confirmed the beneficial effects of tocotrienol on type 2 diabetes - total lipids were reduced by 23%, total cholesterol was reduced by 30% and LDL cholesterol came down by 42%.(9)
Eye Health. The ability of tocotrienols to neutralize the chemical that stimulates the development of new blood vessels in tumors also may inhibit the growth of blood vessels associated with diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Which Type(s) of Vitamin E Should You Take?
Since tocotrienols seem to provide such superior benefits, the logical question is 'Do I need to take tocopherols at all?' Most experts agree that it is still important to take a mixture of the four tocopherols in addition to tocotrienol because they provide excellent antioxident protection against free radicals.
ProHealth offers both types of Vitamin E:
Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. Because the progress of atherosclerosis is more rapid in type 2 diabetics than in the general population, they are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A 2005 study confirmed the beneficial effects of tocotrienol on type 2 diabetes - total lipids were reduced by 23%, total cholesterol was reduced by 30% and LDL cholesterol came down by 42%.(9)
Eye Health. The ability of tocotrienols to neutralize the chemical that stimulates the development of new blood vessels in tumors also may inhibit the growth of blood vessels associated with diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Which Type(s) of Vitamin E Should You Take?
Since tocotrienols seem to provide such superior benefits, the logical question is 'Do I need to take tocopherols at all?' Most experts agree that it is still important to take a mixture of the four tocopherols in addition to tocotrienol because they provide excellent antioxident protection against free radicals.
ProHealth offers both types of Vitamin E:
• ExcellentE™ – pure, natural delta-tocotrienol from the annatto plant.
• Vitamin E with Mixed Tocopherols – a balanced blend of the four tocopherols.
The key is not to take the two types of vitamin E together.
They should be taken at least six hours apart and with food to get the best absorption in the intestinal tract. For maximum benefit, take Vitamin E with Mixed Tocopherols in the morning with breakfast and ExcellentE with your evening meal.
Dr. Tan recommends taking the tocotrienols in the evening. The reason? The body's cholesterol production peaks after midnight, so tocotrienol levels would peak in the blood when they are most needed.
Need-to-Know Info
Dosage: The recommended dose of tocotrienols varies depending on why you are taking them. For cholesterol-lowering benefits, cardiovascular health, and eye health, 100 mg a day seems to be sufficient. A specific dosage has not yet been set for anticancer purposes; however, preliminary studies indicate the most effective dosage may be in the 200-400 mg range.
Contraindications: Both forms of vitamin E inhibit blood clotting, so you should consult your doctor before taking them if you are taking blood-thinning drugs or are at risk of prolonged bleeding.
In Summary...
Both forms of vitamin E - tocopherols and tocotrienols - are important antioxidants that help prevent disease and promote overall health. Tocotrienols in particular are proving to be especially powerful nutrients for promoting cardiovascular health and possibly preventing devastating diseases like cancer.
___
* * Karen Lee Richards is Lead Expert specializing in Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, for HealthCentral's ChronicPainConnection (www.chronicpainconnection.com). Karen is co-founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) and was Executive Editor of Fibromyalgia AWARE magazine for four years.
References:
1. Qureshi AA, et al. Dietary alpha-tocopherol attenuates the impact of gamma-tocotrienol on hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in chickens. J Nutr. 1996 Feb;126(2):389-94.
Download full text pdf: http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=8632210)
1A. Shibata A, Nakagawa K, et al. Alpha-Tocopherol attenuates the cytotoxic effect of delta-tocotrienol in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Bichem Biophys Res Commun. 2010 Jun 25;397(2):214-9.
2. Pearce BC, et al. Hypocholesterolemic activity of synthetic and natural tocotrienols. J Med Chem. 1992 Oct 2;35(20):3595-606.
3. Song BL, DeBose-Boyd RA. (Full text) Insig-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase stimulated by delta- and gamma-tocotrienols. J Biol Chem. 2006 Sep 1;281(35):25054-61. Epub 2006 Jul 10.
4. Qureshi AA, et al. Dose-dependent suppression of serum cholesterol by tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF25) of rice bran in hypercholesterolemic humans. Atherosclerosis. 2002 Mar;161(1):199-207.
5. Tomeo AC, et al. Antioxidant effects of tocotrienols in patients with hyperlipidemia and carotid stenosis. Lipids. 1995 Dec;30(12):1179-83.
6. Theriault A, et al. Tocotrienol is the most effective vitamin E for reducing endothelial expression of adhesion molecules and adhesion to monocytes. Atherosclerosis. 2002 Jan;160(1):21-30.
7. Naito Y, et al. Tocotrienols reduce 25-hydroxycholesterol-induced monocyte-endothelial cell interaction by inhibiting the surface expression of adhesion molecules. Atherosclerosis. 2005 May;180(1):19-25. Epub 2005 Jan 12.
8. Husain K, et al. (Full text) Vitamin E delta-tocotrienol levels in tumor and pancreatic tissue of mice after oral administration. Pharmacology. 2009;83(3):157-63. Epub 2009 Jan 13.
9. Baliarsingh S, et al. The therapeutic impacts of tocotrienols in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. Atherosclerosis. 2005 Oct;182(2):367-74.
___
Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is general and is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness, condition, or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.
They should be taken at least six hours apart and with food to get the best absorption in the intestinal tract. For maximum benefit, take Vitamin E with Mixed Tocopherols in the morning with breakfast and ExcellentE with your evening meal.
Dr. Tan recommends taking the tocotrienols in the evening. The reason? The body's cholesterol production peaks after midnight, so tocotrienol levels would peak in the blood when they are most needed.
Need-to-Know Info
Dosage: The recommended dose of tocotrienols varies depending on why you are taking them. For cholesterol-lowering benefits, cardiovascular health, and eye health, 100 mg a day seems to be sufficient. A specific dosage has not yet been set for anticancer purposes; however, preliminary studies indicate the most effective dosage may be in the 200-400 mg range.
Contraindications: Both forms of vitamin E inhibit blood clotting, so you should consult your doctor before taking them if you are taking blood-thinning drugs or are at risk of prolonged bleeding.
In Summary...
Both forms of vitamin E - tocopherols and tocotrienols - are important antioxidants that help prevent disease and promote overall health. Tocotrienols in particular are proving to be especially powerful nutrients for promoting cardiovascular health and possibly preventing devastating diseases like cancer.
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* * Karen Lee Richards is Lead Expert specializing in Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, for HealthCentral's ChronicPainConnection (www.chronicpainconnection.com). Karen is co-founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) and was Executive Editor of Fibromyalgia AWARE magazine for four years.
References:
1. Qureshi AA, et al. Dietary alpha-tocopherol attenuates the impact of gamma-tocotrienol on hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in chickens. J Nutr. 1996 Feb;126(2):389-94.
Download full text pdf: http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=8632210)
1A. Shibata A, Nakagawa K, et al. Alpha-Tocopherol attenuates the cytotoxic effect of delta-tocotrienol in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Bichem Biophys Res Commun. 2010 Jun 25;397(2):214-9.
2. Pearce BC, et al. Hypocholesterolemic activity of synthetic and natural tocotrienols. J Med Chem. 1992 Oct 2;35(20):3595-606.
3. Song BL, DeBose-Boyd RA. (Full text) Insig-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase stimulated by delta- and gamma-tocotrienols. J Biol Chem. 2006 Sep 1;281(35):25054-61. Epub 2006 Jul 10.
4. Qureshi AA, et al. Dose-dependent suppression of serum cholesterol by tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF25) of rice bran in hypercholesterolemic humans. Atherosclerosis. 2002 Mar;161(1):199-207.
5. Tomeo AC, et al. Antioxidant effects of tocotrienols in patients with hyperlipidemia and carotid stenosis. Lipids. 1995 Dec;30(12):1179-83.
6. Theriault A, et al. Tocotrienol is the most effective vitamin E for reducing endothelial expression of adhesion molecules and adhesion to monocytes. Atherosclerosis. 2002 Jan;160(1):21-30.
7. Naito Y, et al. Tocotrienols reduce 25-hydroxycholesterol-induced monocyte-endothelial cell interaction by inhibiting the surface expression of adhesion molecules. Atherosclerosis. 2005 May;180(1):19-25. Epub 2005 Jan 12.
8. Husain K, et al. (Full text) Vitamin E delta-tocotrienol levels in tumor and pancreatic tissue of mice after oral administration. Pharmacology. 2009;83(3):157-63. Epub 2009 Jan 13.
9. Baliarsingh S, et al. The therapeutic impacts of tocotrienols in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. Atherosclerosis. 2005 Oct;182(2):367-74.
___
Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is general and is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness, condition, or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=15996
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How you can benefit from healthful oils
November 16, 2011
The Baltimore Sun
Each week a nutritionist from the University of Maryland Medical Center provides a guest post on healthy eating . This week, Debra Schulze writes about benefits of oils.
Oils are fats that are liquid at room temperature and come from many different plants and fish. While not a food group, they provide essential nutrients.
Fats and oils can be categorized as saturated fatty acids (solid at room temperature) and unsaturated fatty acids (liquid at room temperature), which include monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Some common oils include canola, corn, cottonseed, olive, safflower, peanut, soybean and sunflower. Others that are used for flavoring include walnut and sesame oil. Oils from plant sources do not contain cholesterol, but some are high in saturated fat, such as coconut, palm and palm kernel oil. Examples of saturated fats include butter, milk fat, animal fats, stick margarine, shortening and partially hydrogenated oil.
Following all the recent reports of trans fats and their contribution to increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers, consumers are looking for healthier fats and oils to incorporate into their diets. Trans-fatty acids are created by converting unsaturated fatty acids (oils) to saturated fats. It is recommended that you decrease the amounts of saturated and trans-fatty acids in your diet since they may raise your cholesterol and put you at higher risk for heart disease.
On the other hand, consuming foods high in unsaturated fatty acids may offer health benefits, including lowering your total and LDL or “bad” cholesterol. They may also help normalize blood clotting, according to Mayo Clinic, and some research shows they may also benefit insulin levels and improve blood sugar control.
Pick your oil carefully
Oils are a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, but you must choose them carefully. Sources of healthy monounsaturates attracting attention include olive, avocado, peanut, pistachio and grapeseed oils, as well as oil from walnuts, almond and hazelnuts. Like olive oil, these oils have unique flavors that add to their attraction.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are two main classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids and are considered essential because our bodies cannot make them. Flaxseeds are a rich plant source of omega-3 fatty acids and also contain omega-6 fatty acids, making them a healthy choice. This oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, which is being researched for its potential to reduce conditions such as stroke, certain cancers and skin ailments.
Extra virgin and virgin olive oil contain high levels of polyphenols, an antioxidant that may reduce the effects of aging on the body.
How much do I need?
Since oils contain essential fatty acids, there is an allowance in the food guide. Recommendations are based on a person’s age, sex and level of physical activity, and they can range from 3-6 teaspoons of oils per day or 28 percent to 30 percent of daily calories. Most oils contain about 120 calories per tablespoon.
As you plan your meals, keep in mind that other foods consumed can provide adequate oils, such as nuts, fish, cooking oils and salad dressings. It has been determined that some oil is needed for health, so try to include a variety in your daily diet.
Oils are fats that are liquid at room temperature and come from many different plants and fish. While not a food group, they provide essential nutrients.
Fats and oils can be categorized as saturated fatty acids (solid at room temperature) and unsaturated fatty acids (liquid at room temperature), which include monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Some common oils include canola, corn, cottonseed, olive, safflower, peanut, soybean and sunflower. Others that are used for flavoring include walnut and sesame oil. Oils from plant sources do not contain cholesterol, but some are high in saturated fat, such as coconut, palm and palm kernel oil. Examples of saturated fats include butter, milk fat, animal fats, stick margarine, shortening and partially hydrogenated oil.
Following all the recent reports of trans fats and their contribution to increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers, consumers are looking for healthier fats and oils to incorporate into their diets. Trans-fatty acids are created by converting unsaturated fatty acids (oils) to saturated fats. It is recommended that you decrease the amounts of saturated and trans-fatty acids in your diet since they may raise your cholesterol and put you at higher risk for heart disease.
On the other hand, consuming foods high in unsaturated fatty acids may offer health benefits, including lowering your total and LDL or “bad” cholesterol. They may also help normalize blood clotting, according to Mayo Clinic, and some research shows they may also benefit insulin levels and improve blood sugar control.
Pick your oil carefully
Oils are a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, but you must choose them carefully. Sources of healthy monounsaturates attracting attention include olive, avocado, peanut, pistachio and grapeseed oils, as well as oil from walnuts, almond and hazelnuts. Like olive oil, these oils have unique flavors that add to their attraction.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are two main classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids and are considered essential because our bodies cannot make them. Flaxseeds are a rich plant source of omega-3 fatty acids and also contain omega-6 fatty acids, making them a healthy choice. This oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, which is being researched for its potential to reduce conditions such as stroke, certain cancers and skin ailments.
Extra virgin and virgin olive oil contain high levels of polyphenols, an antioxidant that may reduce the effects of aging on the body.
How much do I need?
Since oils contain essential fatty acids, there is an allowance in the food guide. Recommendations are based on a person’s age, sex and level of physical activity, and they can range from 3-6 teaspoons of oils per day or 28 percent to 30 percent of daily calories. Most oils contain about 120 calories per tablespoon.
As you plan your meals, keep in mind that other foods consumed can provide adequate oils, such as nuts, fish, cooking oils and salad dressings. It has been determined that some oil is needed for health, so try to include a variety in your daily diet.
