Dr. Lam Author of
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Four million Americans suffer from dementia, the hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). This number is expected to swell fourfold by the year 2040. 12% of people aged 60 and above, and 50% of those over 80 years of age, suffer from dementia, and the main cause is AD. Dementia is the fourth leading cause of death in those over 60. AD alone kills 100,000 people per year in the U.S.A. Onset of symptoms can start as young as 40 and continue for about 20 years before severe symptoms - such as loss of memory, inability to carry out normal work and being irritable and suspicious - show.
Essential oils (or fatty acids as they are commonly known) are indispensable for optimum functioning of the body. They provide the basic building blocks for the body's numerous enzymatic and hormonal functions. They are also precursors to eicosanoids. Eicosanoids lower blood pressure, raise body temperature, modulate bronchial passages, and stimulate hormone production. Their production is highly dependent on dietary fat.
There are 3 essential oil families: omega-3, omega-6, and omega- 9 fatty acids. Both omega-3 and omega-6 posses the strongest ability to generate eicosanoids. Omega-9s are weaker and not labeled as essential but are helpful. The common source of omega-9s is olive oil.
The secret to optimum health lies in maintaining the right balance between the omega-3s and the omega-6s.
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