You’re surely aware that inflammation is implicated in many health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and auto-immune disorders. Inflammation plays a role in osteoporosis, too, which is why fruits and vegetables rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidant compounds are emphasized in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
While all antioxidants help stave off inflammation and boost bone health, there’s a polyphenol called luteolin that’s especially powerful. Today you’ll learn all about its various biological functions (including the reversal of age-related memory problems), the foods that contain it, and the science that proves its amazing potency.
But first, let’s briefly review why anti-inflammatory antioxidants are so important in the fight against osteoporosis.
My Doctor Never Mentioned Antioxidants!
Not surprisingly, the Medical Establishment largely ignores the role of antioxidants and inflammation in bone health. Even though research clearly shows that inflammation increases fracture risk, there just isn’t room for nutritional approaches to osteoporosis in a prescription drug-driven world.
So if your doctor hasn’t mentioned antioxidants, it’s simply because mainstream doctors aren’t trained with regard to nutrition and how it relates to bone health.
But the fact is, antioxidants are very closely connected to bone density, which is why they are referred to in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program as your “undercover bone builders.” Antioxidants include polyphenols, plant-based chemicals that have actually been shown to directly influence bone growth by increasing osteoblast production.
The polyphenol we’re going to discuss today is luteolin, whose bone-rejuvenating characteristics are due in large part to its highly potent anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, exciting new research shows that luteolin enhances and protects memory as we age.
Luteolin: Scientifically Proven To Be The Most Potent Anti-Inflammatory Polyphenol
Research has confirmed one way plant compounds fight inflammation. Your body produces an enzyme called TBK1, which triggers a genetic, biochemical process that leads to inflammation. If TBK1 is held in check, it prevents this process from leading to inflammation.
Polyphenols are able to inhibit TBK1, and when scientists tested which plant chemicals did this the best, the discovered that luteolin beat them all. Its ability to target and block TBK1 was superior to the six polyphenols included in the study.1
Another study shows that luteolin attacks inflammation from another biological angle. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation confirmed luteolin’s ability to inhibit cytokine expression in microglia.2 (Cytokines are inflammatory markers.)
Microglia are a type of nerve cell found in the brain and spinal cord, and they play an active role in central nervous system immune defense. They are considered neuroprotective, meaning they protect brain tissue and promote neurological regeneration after injury.3
This explains luteolin’s ability to preserve memory, an observation confirmed by a 2010 University of Illinois study that found luteolin reduces inflammation in the brains of aged mice.
The study notes that:
“Luteolin consumption improved spatial working memory and restored expression of inflammatory markers in the hippocampus compared with that of young adults.”4
It goes on to point out that luteolin did not have an effect on the memories or inflammatory markers in younger, adult mice. So it makes sense to ingest plenty of this polyphenol as we age.
Amazingly, head researcher Rodney Johnson remarked that luteolin “allows working memory to be restored to what it was at an earlier stage.”4
So it’s great news that luteolin is found in common, everyday foods that are easy to obtain and are also good for your bones.
Top Luteolin-Rich Foods
The majority of the luteolin-rich foods are also Foundation Foods listed in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program:
- Blueberries*
- Green bell peppers*
- Basil*
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
- Chamomile
- Thyme
- Parsley*
- Celery*
- Carrots*
- Artichokes*
- Olive oil*
*Foundation Food
There’s An Easy Way To Protect Your Memory And Build Your Bones
In addition to eating luteolin-rich foods, you can also protect and enhance your memory with regular exercise. And the more variety, the better – research shows that when your exercise regimen involves learning new moves, it stimulates focus and attention and improves memory.5
The Densercise™ Epidensity Training System has 52 moves that cover four weeks of exercise, so by the time you begin again with Week 1, it will present new challenges to your bones and muscles. In addition, each week we publish a Weekend Challenge to add more of the variety that’s so crucial for brain and bone health.
Take Exercising For Your Bones to the Next Level!
Learn the 52 exercise moves that jumpstart bone-building – all backed by the latest in epigenetics research.
Isn’t it refreshing to know that while we’re rejuvenating our bones with Foundation Foods and Densercise™, we’re also enhancing our memory? That surely brings peace – and preservation – of mind!
Till next time,
1 Lee, Jun Kyung, et al. “Suppression of the TRIF-dependent signaling pathway of Toll-like receptors by luteolin.” Biochemical Pharmacology. January 13, 2009. Vol 77:1391-1400. Web. https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/Publications.htm?seq_no_115=230138
2 Dirscher, Konstantin, et al. “Luteolin triggers global changes in the microglial transcriptome leading to a unique anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective phenotype.” Journal of Neuroinflammation. 2012. Vol 7. Doi: 10.1186/1742-2094-7-3. Web. https://www.jneuroinflammation.com/content/7/1/3
3 Streit, W.J. “Microglia and neuroprotection: implications for Alzheimer’s disease.” Brain Research. Brain Research Reviews. April 2005. 48(2):234-9. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15850662?dopt=Abstract&holding=f1000,f1000m,isrctn
4 Jang, Saebyeol, et al. “Luteolin Inhibits Microglia and Alters Hippocampal-Dependent Spatial Working Memory in Aged Mice.” Journal of Nutrition. August 4, 2010. Doi: 10.3945-jn.110.123273. Web. https://jn.nutrition.org/content/140/10/1892
5 Suzuki, Takao, et al. “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Multicomponent Exercise in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment.” PLOS. April 9, 2013. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061483. Web. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0061483
You May Also Like These Related Articles:
Study: A Full Day Of Activities Fuels A Longer, Happier Life
Busy Schedules Not To Blame For Skipping Exercise
How To Avoid And Eliminate Neck PainComments on this article are closed.
-
-
Hi Raquel,
Moringa leaves are very rich in nutrients and high in protein, which might explain the stabilizing effect on blood sugar. Moringa contains high amounts of potassium, which is important in the management of high blood pressure. It also has significant calcium, Vitamin A, and magnesium. I can see why it’s helping you feel better!
-
-
Quick question: Is there a difference in eating dried herbs -vs- fresh?
-
Hi
I suppose dried blueberries are just as good as fresh ones?
-
Hi Viv, I am 68 years old now and have osteo arthritis, osteopenia and osteoporosis. I tried Bon Viva eight years ago and had a terrible reaction to it resulting in permanent tinnitus and awful headaches which fortunately have abated now. I am trying to follow your programme but have a battle with white bread. Would you have anything to suggest which could be substituted for this as I know how acidifying it is. Also I have very bad arthritis in my wrists and wonder if the exercises requiring lifting weights are suitable for me. Sorry for all the moaning but I don’t know who else to ask. Many thanks for all your emails. Cathy Carey
-
Vivian, Thanks so very much for your site. God bless you for the work you do, all the research, for sharing, for caring enough to do so. Is scary when your PC says you must take drugs. Am 74 & have osteopenia & osteoporosis. Have tried Fosamax, 1 – 7 day pill & had a very strong & scary reaction to it. Then tried evista daily for only 10 days & couldn’t take that either. It affected my rib cage something terrible. Now my doctor wants me to do Reclast infusion. Actually thought it was different than Fosamax, but find it has some of the same ingredients. Have decided I am not going to do that.
Have been doing smoothies for 2 years with fruits & vegetables, garlic, ginger & flax seeds, sesame, chia, turmeric & coconut water. Looking forward to following you, you are very helpful. Am going to try hard to get into exercising, know I need too. Am still working & do get out. Thank you again Vivian.-
You are welcome, Yvonne – but make sure you give yourself a big “thank you” for choosing to manage your health and osteoporosis without drugs!
-
-
And that was within just two hours . What s more, this all-natural compound is such a potent antioxidant, just one gram gives you the same free radical fighting power as 625 grams of fresh blueberries 974 grams of strawberries 1,230 grams of raspberries or 2,030 grams of grapes!
-
what is the name of compound you have mentioned in comment?
-
-
I would like to know if there is a bone-health vitamin product available in Canada. I’m looking for a product that is easy for the body to use. Thank you.
-
Does a particular blood type make osteoporosis more or less likely?
Sadly, have not been able to locate Osteocleanse in the UK
Thanks again for all your helpful info
Kind regards, Jules -
THANKS
-
Thanks to all of you and Vivian who kindly responded to my message. I am grateful for your encouragement and information. I will follow up on some of them. I feel that so much of what is happening in our lives is about changing our old belief patterns and realising we can change them and there is support out there to help us with these changes and new ways of living. Thank you all so much.
-
Hi Vivian I ha osteoporosis, I got your book, I want to order calcium vitami d and all other supplements can I get it from you?
-
Re order ID: A1A-201508140807-166180
Order date: 14 Aug 2015 08:07:16
2 OsteoCleanse were ordered for a total of $54.00. We need only one. Could we please be reimbursed for the difference. Thank you.-
Hi Arthur,
Please check your e-mail inbox for a message from Customer Support, where these issues are typically handled. Thanks!
-
-
I love this article about ‘luteolin’! Where could i get this in a supplement form?
-
Where can I buy lutolin
-
-
Yesterday, I went for a consultation with an orthopaedic Surgeon, with a view to a possible spinal operation due to past injuries fractures etc. as I have been in so much more pain in the last Year. I have been following your Save our bones programme for nearly Six months now. When he saw that I have osteoporosis and was very shocked that I was not taking the drugs etc.I gave him the website of Save our bones, which I think he will look at, but still started to tell me how ill I can become if I do not take the drugs. He did point out that there are many new ones now which do not have so many side effects. I got the feeling he may not wish to give me an op if I do not conform. He also spoke to my son, asking him to try and convince me to take the medicine……my son is a scientist, and knows what I am doing…… Next week I have an MRI scan. All very confusing I am 74 and had a centre for complementary therapies, but feel sandwiched between two worlds. I am really only able to walk short distances, 15-20 mins,before sitting down. Also leg exercises and arm ones.I worry that this may not be able to help me.
-
I’m glad you’re here, Eve. You’re on the right track – doing research, asking questions, and thinking outside the mainstream. Only you can make the decision as to which course of action you’ll take; but I encourage you to keep learning, and don’t be afraid to make an informed decision, even if it means your doctor is unhappy! Your doctor is not the one who will experience the effects – including dangerous side effects – of the osteoporosis drugs.
-
Please watch YouTube videos by Dr John Bergman ….brilliant Chiropractor who is specialised in all of the bodys illness. I have scholosis and osteoporosis plus degeneration of neck discs and am following a treatment plan of his.
Did you know that your boned regenerate every couple of years …meaning there is no such thing as OLD bones !! Check it out what do you have to loose.
-
-
Hi I have Osteoporosis and no way will I take medication prescribed by my GP. My profession is a trained nurse so have lots of information and experience of different medications.I have the book would like to take calcium,magnesium,boron,vitamins and minerals in a way that can be absorbed easily by the body. I’m English how much will it cost and how do i go about it? Thank you
-
Hi Lesley
I live in the UK also
I have found a very good product( although expensive,) you can buy online here in England, called (Source of life garden Bone Support,) it has the same ingredients as the bone support that Vivian is selling all natural it’s very good.
Just put a search in it comes up straightaway, buying from America is very expensive
Good luck -
Hi Lesley
I too am from the UK. Interested to hear what you have said. I have not taken any drugs yet.. Really do not want to.
-
-
Just learned lutein is not related to luteolin. But what about luteolin supplements?
-
I am interested in luteolinl
supplements -
Hi Annie,
I always advocate getting as many nutrients as possible directly from foods. Whole foods have dozens of other components that affect the absorption and assimilation of various nutrients that just can’t be replicated in a supplement.
-
-
Would taking a lutein supplement be a good way to get sufficient luteolin to obtain positive results? You’d have to eat a ton of blueberries, I would think!
-
I had a lot of inflammation following a car accident which instigated a hip replacement. I take pure turmeric to help reduce inflammation. What is your take on turmeric for inflammation Vivian please..Jean
-
Hi Jean,
Research has shown that curcumin, found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties. Here is a link to one study (they spell it “tumeric”):https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12676044
The real question is, do you feel better when you take turmeric? If so, then it’s likely working for you!
-
Thank you Vivian I do certainly feel so much better since taking the turmeric capsules and my inflammation is going fast. I really wanted your feedback
and I thank you so much for all your help.. Jean -
Thank you for your reply Vivian it is much appreciated. I can say now that turmeric is certainly working for me as I do feel so much better, the inflammation is going away well. Jean
-
Good news, Jean!
-
-
-
-
Thank you so much for your wonderful website. Been tuning for a few years and always learn something new. There are so many ways we can help our bodies.
-
Hi Joan,
I love to hear when Savers are learning something new. And you are right – there are many things we can do to improve our own health.
-
-
Thanks so much, Vivian, for that list of Luteolin-rich foods
Finding organic blueberries is so rare but worthwhile because blueberries are very
heavily sprayed, which is a bit of a worry.
Herbs can be grown in our gardens and vegetables if we have the knack!
I have had a spell of inflammation and apparently have osteoporosis so must work
at my food intake and walk more!
Your emails always inspire me, thanks again Vivian..-
Thank you, Brenda – I find the Saver community to be inspiring, especially when you honestly share aspects of your bone health journey.
If you aren’t able to find fresh organic blueberries, frozen ones are the next best choice. Those are sometimes easier to come by!
-
-
Is this drug available in Canada. If not how can I order? Betty Roberts
-
Hi Betty,
Luteolin is a plant compound, not a drug, and it’s widely available in the foods listed above. 🙂
-
-
How can I read other people’s questions and comments on various things..or any answers to my comments? I can’t seem to do this lately.
-
Lowana, you should be able to log back on to the site and check the comment thread and look for a response. In addition, check and see if your personal e-mail has a notification option where you can receive a message in your inbox when someone replies to your comment. 🙂
-
I have. Osteoporosis, hbp and borderline diabetic. At beginning of this year I had. Accident and broke the tibia on my right knee.i Had. Surgery and therapy.Stil recuperating.I was told about a supplement called moringa supposedly good to lower hbp and diabetes and natural. I started taking it and I also feel better about my knee and inflammation. Do you know anything about this supplement?