Do you know what beta-carboline harmane is? Probably not – unless you’re a neuroscientist or nutritionist. Or maybe just a human who cares to find out what’s wrong with our dietary intake.
Oh, you are? Good.
Beta-carboline harmane is a neurotoxin found in something we eat almost every day. Only 5 minutes after ingesting harmane, traces in the bloodstream sky-rocket. 5 minutes! That’s not even digested yet.
So what is beta-carboline harmane?
Beta-carboline harmane is the most potent neurotoxins that leads to brain deterioration and essential tremor. Essential tremor affects 1 in 25 adults over 40, and 1 in 5 over 90, and is one the most common neurological diseases.
Essential tremor is typically experienced as hand tremors, but is also seen as a debilitating disease as the brain and bloodstream become overtaken with the toxin. Exposure to harmane leads to difficulty walking, and even cognitive impairment, like Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Where is Harmane Hiding?
In a recent study, those with essential tremor were seen to have much higher levels of harmane in their bloodstream, compared to those without the tremor. And the higher the level of harmane, the worse the tremor.
“The highest levels are found in those who have both essential tremor and cancer, suggesting harmane may be playing a role in both diseases.”
Michael Greger, M.D.
Another Columbia University study found that subjects who ate the most meat had a higher risk of essential tremor. Harmane is primarily found in cooked meats: beef, pork, fish, and especially chicken.
Those who ate more meat showed a 21 percent increase of harmane in the bloodstream. The original studies on smoking showed only a 14 percent rise of cancer-causing byproducts. But why the link between cigarettes and meat?
Harmane was also found in heated plant materials – think tobacco, or roasted coffee beans. The levels in a cigarette (about 1 microgram) are far smaller than in a chicken breast (about 13 micrograms).
Because of the neurotoxin’s fat-soluble nature, higher levels in the brain have been linked to greater metabolic dysfunction in the brains of essential tremor sufferers. This means that the more often you eat cooked meats, the more likely you’ll succumb to this neurotoxin.
Safe Proteins
Fortunately you can find protein in all sorts of plant-based diets: beans, seeds, nuts, and legumes are often a go-to when not choosing meats. Dark leafy greens are another great meat-substitute when looking to get protein – think kale, broccoli, spinach, and collard greens.
Some of these protein-swaps are also super-healthy for your brain, thanks to healthy-fats and brain-boosting minerals:
- Leafy greens
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Flaxseed
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds
And don’t forget eggs! They are protein and healthy fats all mixed into one! Plus they have a ton of choline – an essential mineral for brain function.
SOURCE:
http://nutritionfacts.org/2015/12/01/do-dietary-toxins-contribute-to-hand-tremors/
