Antioxidant OPCs, Grapefruit Extract abd Potassium Citrate

Antioxidant OPCs May Provide Support for Memory Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) dietary supplements improved memory in animals with age-related cognitive decline, says a new study from Japan and Korea.

Grapefruit Extract Shows Positive Results for Metabolic Syndrome The citrus flavonoid naringenin may prevent cholesterol increases and changes in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism linked to metabolic syndrome, according to a study published in the journal Diabetes .

Potassium Citrate May Prevent Kidney Stones A daily supplement of potassium citrate may prevent painful kidney stones developing in epileptics adhering to a high-fat ketogenic diet, says a new study published in the journal Pediatrics .

I recently stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things. I went in and reached for my shopping list and discovered I had forgotten it at home. Not only that, I had forgotten what it was that I really needed at the store. I walked up and down the aisles until I finally remembered what I was looking for.

No, I don't have the early signs of Alzheimer's disease. But I do have a case of "getting-older forgetfulness." Having memory glitches is a part of growing older, and we expect them. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) states, "It is true that some of us get more forgetful as we age. It may take longer to learn new things, remember familiar names and words, or find our glasses. These are usually signs of mild forgetfulness, not serious memory problems."

The NIA recommends several activities to help your memory: Learn a new skill. Volunteer in your community, school or place of worship. Spend time with friends and family whenever possible. Use memory tools such as big calendars, to-do lists and notes to yourself. Put your wallet or purse, keys and glasses in the same place each day. Get lots of rest. Exercise and eat well. Don't drink a lot of alcohol. Get help if you feel depressed for weeks at a time.

You may also want to make sure you get enough oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) in your diet. Researchers in Japan ran an animal study recently and found that lab animals taking OPCs faired better in memory tests. Read about this encouraging study in my first report below.

In other news on the research front, scientists have found that the citrus flavonoid naringenin may prevent metabolic syndrome. The study was published in the journal Diabetes. Check it out in my second report today.

Another study promises hope for epileptic children who have kidney stones as a result of their recommended diet. Potassium citrate may help prevent the stones from developing. See my final report for more information.