Synthetic artificial butter flavoring chemical promotes development of Alzheimer's disease

Monday, August 13, 2012 by: John Phillip
Tags: artificial butter flavor, Alzheimer''s, popcorn

(NaturalNews) We are exposed to dangerous chemical compounds every day from a variety of household and environmental sources as well as from most processed foods. Extensive research has shown that these synthetic compounds promote the development and progression of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and dementia. Now researchers signal a strong warning about artificial butter flavorings commonly used in microwave popcorn and a variety of other food products. Countless individuals are at risk as they unexpectedly consume foods ranging from margarine and snack foods to candy and baked goods.

Scientific evidence now indicts the chemical compound known as diacetyl (DA), a flavoring agent that provides the flavor and appearance of butter, as a component in the development of beta-amyloid tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers publishing in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology found evidence that diacetyl intensifies the damaging effects of an abnormal brain protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. DA is used in dozens of food products to provide the taste and appearance of butter and to extend shelf life.

Diacetyl disrupts electrical and chemical brain signaling leading to Alzheimer's disease

For the last decade, researchers have been testing the effects of diacetyl on cellular functioning, as it has been linked to respiratory and other medical conditions in workers at microwave popcorn and food processing factories. Scientists note that DA exists naturally in certain fermented beverages, but wreaks havoc on our metabolism when consumed as a synthesized chemical. Artificially created forms of the DA chemical are similar to a substance that has been found to promote beta-amyloid protein clumps in the brain. Amyloid tangles are a precursor to the progressive from of dementia known as Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers determined that synthesized DA increases the degree of beta-amyloid clumps when factory workers are exposed to low levels of the contaminated dust in the work environment. Even more disconcerting is the fact that DA easily crosses the blood-brain barrier in humans to disrupt normal electrical and chemical signaling that normally clear amyloid proteins before they accumulate at neural synapses. DA disrupts normal brain function, allowing the accumulation of deadly beta clumps and tangles.

The study authors concluded "In light of the chronic exposure of industry workers to DA, this study raises the troubling possibility of long-term neurological toxicity mediated by DA." Although this study reviewed the effect of airborne DA exposure on factory workers, it is important to note that similar results would be found with ingestion of synthesized DA from artificially buttered foods including microwave popcorn. Health-minded children and adults should avoid foods with any form of artificially created chemicals to lower the risk of brain disorders, including Alzheimer's dementia.

Sources for this article include:

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/tx3001016
http://medicalxpress.com
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-08/acs-abf080112.php
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120801132606.htm

About the author:
John Phillip is a Certified Nutritional Consultant and Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.