Apparently foie gras may be linked to the onset of
diseases, including Alzheimer's, type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid
arthritis.
A study was recently carried out by researchers at the University of
Tennessee. They examined the health effects of
foie gras,
considered a luxury since ancient Egyptian times. It was suggested that people
who have a family history of such illnesses should consider avoiding the
delicacy.
The possible risk comes from “amyloid†proteins found in the foie gras,
which is made from the swollen livers of force-fed geese and ducks. These
proteins have been linked to the onset of such conditions conditions.
Researchers found that mice fed on foie gras started growing amyloid
proteins in various organs. They observed a similar result when extract of foie
gras was injected into the rodents' bloodstream.
The story goes on to say that the possible link between food and amyloid
diseases needs to be confirmed by further studies, for example comparing
populations to see how disease prevalence varies with diet.
In Britain, 700,000 people out of a population of 60 million have dementia.
France, with a similar population, has 1 million sufferers. But there are many
causes and the difference in prevalence is not being linked to far higher French
consumption of foie gras.
Related links:
by
Editor WorldPoultry
Jun 20, 2007
last update:Jun 21, 2007