Tequila Plant May Help Bone Density Loss
Mexican researchers have found that the plant that brings us delicious tequila, agave, might also help fight bone density loss (osteoporosis) and other chronic diseases.
The fructans in the agave plant appear to boost the body's absorption of calcium, known to be good for bones.
In the study, the team were trying to find out what affect agave fructans might have on bone growth.
They used lab mice, often a substitute for human subjects in research, to test the effects of agave fructans.
Compared to other mice, those fed the agave fructans took in more calcium from food, excreted less calcium and had a 50% increase in levels of a protein tied to the build up of new bone.
This suggests that agave fructans could be an important supplement to keep bones strong and healthy.
Earlier research has suggested agave fructans has some great health benefits, may hold special promise for those with diabetes or high blood sugar who are at risk of developing the disease.
They also support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine.
This allows the body to absorb calcium and magnesium, both so important for bone growth.
Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton that brings a decrease in bone density and strength that causes fragile bones.
Bones break as the result of what otherwise would be a minor injuries.
The disease is preventable for most people, and while there are medications approved by the U.
S.
Food and Drug Administration available to help, there is no cure...
yet.
To help reduce your risk...
- Get the daily recommended amounts of calcium (1,000 mg for adults under 50, 1,200 mg for anyone over 50) and vitamin D (400-800 IU for adults under 50, 800-1,000 IU for anyone over 50) - Do regular, weight bearing exercise such as walking, dancing, jogging, stair climbing, racquet sports, hiking - Don't smoke or drink excess alcohol - Talk to your doctor about your bone health - Ask about a bone mineral density (BMD) test, an accurate, non-invasive and painless procedure to assess your bone strength Sadly, the study authors point out that you can't drink tequila to get the benefits of these substances to your bones.
The fructans are turned into alcohol when agave is made into tasty tequila.
Agave is one of several natural sources of fructans, non-digestible carbs made up of molecules of fructose (the sugar in honey, grapes, ripe fruits) linked together in chains.
Other rich, natural sources are artichokes, garlic, onion and chicory.
It's never too early to work to reduce your risk of bone density loss.
Start today.
The fructans in the agave plant appear to boost the body's absorption of calcium, known to be good for bones.
In the study, the team were trying to find out what affect agave fructans might have on bone growth.
They used lab mice, often a substitute for human subjects in research, to test the effects of agave fructans.
Compared to other mice, those fed the agave fructans took in more calcium from food, excreted less calcium and had a 50% increase in levels of a protein tied to the build up of new bone.
This suggests that agave fructans could be an important supplement to keep bones strong and healthy.
Earlier research has suggested agave fructans has some great health benefits, may hold special promise for those with diabetes or high blood sugar who are at risk of developing the disease.
They also support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine.
This allows the body to absorb calcium and magnesium, both so important for bone growth.
Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton that brings a decrease in bone density and strength that causes fragile bones.
Bones break as the result of what otherwise would be a minor injuries.
The disease is preventable for most people, and while there are medications approved by the U.
S.
Food and Drug Administration available to help, there is no cure...
yet.
To help reduce your risk...
- Get the daily recommended amounts of calcium (1,000 mg for adults under 50, 1,200 mg for anyone over 50) and vitamin D (400-800 IU for adults under 50, 800-1,000 IU for anyone over 50) - Do regular, weight bearing exercise such as walking, dancing, jogging, stair climbing, racquet sports, hiking - Don't smoke or drink excess alcohol - Talk to your doctor about your bone health - Ask about a bone mineral density (BMD) test, an accurate, non-invasive and painless procedure to assess your bone strength Sadly, the study authors point out that you can't drink tequila to get the benefits of these substances to your bones.
The fructans are turned into alcohol when agave is made into tasty tequila.
Agave is one of several natural sources of fructans, non-digestible carbs made up of molecules of fructose (the sugar in honey, grapes, ripe fruits) linked together in chains.
Other rich, natural sources are artichokes, garlic, onion and chicory.
It's never too early to work to reduce your risk of bone density loss.
Start today.
Source...