Searching for the best dose of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid, researchers from France have established that 200 mg per day is sufficient to boost heart health in men.

The scientists enrolled 12 healthy men aged between 53 and 65 years to investigate the effects of different doses of DHA, including 200, 400, 800 and 1,600 mg per day. The participants spent two weeks consuming each dose amount.

After the end of the two weeks, the researchers analyzed the men’s blood and urine samples which showed that the biochemical markers that predict cardiovascular problems — such as those related to aging, atherosclerosis and diabetes — were affected already at the lowest dose.

Michel Lagarde, co-author of the study, explains that the study shows a regular consumption of small amounts of DHA is likely to improve individuals’ health status, especially in regards to cardiovascular and circulation functions.

Among the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, but they can also be obtained from dietary supplements like krill or fish oil.

Zinc?Zinc is an important element that is found in every cell in the body. More than 300 enzymes in the body need zinc in order to function properly. Although the amount of zinc we need in our daily diet is tiny, it's very important that we get it. However, the evidence suggests that many of us do not get enough. Mild zinc deficiency seems to be fairly common, and for this reason taking a zinc supplement at nutritional doses may be a good idea.
However, taking too much zinc isn’t a good idea—it can cause toxicity.The average diet in the developed world may provide insufficient zinc, especially in women, adolescents, infants, and the elderly. 1-5,163 Thus, it may be a wise idea to increase your intake of zinc on general principles.

Ginkgo May Become The New Natural Pain Remedy
October 28, 2009
Extracts of ginkgo biloba are a popular natural supplement believed to enhance memory, but according to a new study it may also be beneficial against a common type of pain that is difficult to treat.

The research from the Catholic University of Seoul in South Korea focused on feeding the compound to rats to see how effective it may be against neuropathic pain often associated with herpes infections, limb injury or diabetes.

The results suggested that responses to cold and pressure pain stimuli were significantly reduced in ginkgo-treated animals, compared to those which received a placebo. The scientists also found a positive correlation between the dose of ginkgo extract and the pain-relieving effect.

In addition, the team was able to establish that pain was reduced for at least two hours after ginkgo supplementation.

Dr. Steven L. Shafer of Columbia University, editor-in-chief of Anesthesia & Analgesia where the study was published, said it was a good sign that scientists are researching the properties of the herb, which is part of the ancient oriental medical tradition, "in an effort to determine what chemical constituents account for the many beneficial effects traditionally ascribed to it."

Ginkgo biloba is a tree that currently occurs in the wild only in the northwest of Zhejiang province in eastern China, but its extracts are widely available in natural health stores in the West.