While we knew B vitamins can help fight mental decline in older people with memory problems, new research suggests adding omega-3s to the formula can boost the brain-saving effects. An international team of researchers studied more than 250 people with mild cognitive impairment at Oxford in theU.K. MCI describes a condition in which the brain functions at a lower level than what is normally expected for a person’s age, but not low enough to interfere with daily life. It can often progress to dementia, according to a release about the research from the University of Oxford. The placebo-controlled study included 250 […]
This probably isn’t the first time you’ve seen information regarding foods and nutrients to support brain function. And if you Google this topic, you’re likely to wind up with a large number of suggestions. Are all of them accurate? Probably not. However, there is a common thread between of the types of foods that are recommended. Most suggestions include increasing plant-based foods, berries, and green leafy veggies while limiting animal foods and foods high in saturated fat. Since there are many foods that fall into the above categories, we won’t cover them all here. Instead, we’ll focus on a few […]
In all of my cookbooks, I have included a chart that lists the FoodTrients nutrients, their benefits, which foods are loaded with them, and their properties (anti-inflammatory) , disease preventing , etc.) along with my 9 symbols. Here are just a few examples: ALLICIN— Garlic contains the FoodTrient allicin, which is an anti-inflammatory that reduces the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and cancer. So if you have trouble with rashes, allergies, swelling, or atherosclerosis add garlic to your meals whenever possible. GINGEROL – The root of the ginger plant has its own very special FoodTrient called […]
Elderly people who follow a Mediterranean-style diet may benefit from better brain health and a lower risk for cognitive impairment later in life, according to a new US study. “It suggests that a healthy dietary pattern and specific dietary components have impact on biomarkers of brain pathology,” senior researcher Rosebud Roberts of the Mayo Clinic’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in Rochester, Minnesota, told Reuters Health by email. A Mediterranean-style diet includes fish, lean meat, legumes, nuts, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. The diet has been linked to better heart and bone health. Roberts and colleagues analyzed data from […]
For those of us who grew up in Southeast Asia, big, savory breakfasts were the norm. A popular breakfast staple was smoked fish with scrambled eggs and tomato salad. Fried rice, fried eggs, sausages called longaniza (a bit like Spanish chorizo), and rice porridge with fish or meatballs were also regularly on the menu in most homes, but not in mine. My father, who was a physician and very health-conscious, always ate plain oatmeal, and he insisted we eat it, too, without berries, bananas or raisins. We reluctantly complied, but today I am grateful for all of my father’s health […]
When reading Dr. Eric R. Braverman’s book, Younger (Thinner) You Diet, I was impressed by how much space he devotes to eating foods that promote brain health. I’ve known for years that eating the right antioxidant-rich, organic foods can keep your body young and healthy. But I didn’t realize how much our diet can affect our brains. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for feeding the brain, which needs fat to produce neurotransmitters. This means ingredients such as: Salmon – Salmon is an excellent source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, which can also help improve cognition. Fresh produce – One study found that seniors who ate close to […]
Herbs have been used in traditional and folk medicines for centuries for treating illness. People throughout the ages also had something on their minds that we still do today…longevity. Some herbs do in fact have research indicating they help with healthy aging for a variety of reasons. Whether an herb is improving sleep, lowering stress, or boosting antioxidant status, they are likely working against biological processes that cause the body to age. DNA damage, free radical damage and dysfunction of the body on a cellular level all may contribute to aging issues including disease of the heart, neurological system, or […]
Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year! It’s the first big celebration after summer and the perfect kickoff to the holiday season ahead. I love seeing the neighborhood come alive with costumes, decorations, and the excitement of trick-or-treating. When my friends bring their kids by after collecting their candy, I always have something a little special waiting. Rather than diving straight into the sugar stash, I serve up snacks that are every bit as delicious—but secretly healthy, too! The kids don’t notice the difference, but their parents sure do. These recipes from my Age Beautifully Cookbook are […]
Check out these top 5 anti-aging foods that can make you look and feel more vibrant today as FoodTrients discusses why you should incorporate them into your diet. PINK GRAPEFRUIT – A Superfood and Anti-Aging Hero Grapefruit is a go-to fruit for me, and I love to put pink grapefruit in my Spinach and Grapefruit Salad (featured in The Age GRACEfully Cookbook). All citrus contains antioxidants, fiber and anti-aging compounds like vitamin C but pink grapefruit has some special benefits to offer. Antioxidant (Ao) spermidine has shown positive results in some animal studies for longevity and in support of healthy […]
When trying to live a healthy lifestyle, every day can feel like a battle. Forces are destroying our bodies and our minds. The standard American diet is making us sick; we are constantly bombarded by a fear-mongering news media; and we’re hypnotized by technical gadgets that keep us from our loved ones. Even our own genes can seem like they’re out to get us. But you can win the war. You can live your life to the fullest, be your best, and feel your greatest, and the key to victory rests between your ears. Your brain runs your life. When […]