You're the Brains of this Operation
Bite This: According to the Alzheimer's Association and the Center for Disease Control, more than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's and it is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S.
I am on a roll! Something happened over the weekend and the number of page views on my blog sky- rocketed. I am pretty sure it is because I divulged so much information about myself in my previous post. Which only means that if I want to keep up my celebrity status, I need to write more frequently before everyone forgets about me. Lucky you.
Fortunately, I have also felt more inspired this weekend about health topics so I have some new ideas for material. That does not mean, however, that I will actually post anything of any significance.
Tonight's health topic is about the fattiest organ in the human body - the brain. We all have one (although it is not as apparent in some as it is in others). What you feed your body, you are also feeding one of the most important organs in your body - your brain. Your brain needs certain nutrients to function such as carbohydrates, but other nutrients can help your brain function better and stay sharper longer.
The two biggest risk factors for dementia include genetics and aging, neither of which you can do much about. However, things that cause memory and thinking problems such as excessive alcohol use, depression, and vitamin deficiencies can be improved and help delay the onset of dementia. The following nutrients may also promote brain health:
1. Omega-3 fatty acids- I cannot say enough good things about omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are like wax you put on your new sports car. Omega-3's are not only essential, they make the body sparkle (just go with it). Omega- 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids and have been shown to improve depression and improve neural function. Omega-3 fatty acids are also being studied for brain development in- utero. To get more omega-3 fatty acids, eat more fatty fish like salmon. You can also get omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds and walnuts.
2. Vitamin D - ah, yes, vitamin D makes another debut. So, not only is vitamin D good for bones, but also for brain health. Research has shown that people with dementia have significantly lower concentrations of vitamin D. Which is really not all that surprising since it has been found that more and more people have low levels of vitamin D. To get vitamin D, consume foods fortified with vitamin D like cereals and orange juice. Fatty fish and some dairy foods also contain vitamin D.
3. Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to brain shrinkage and memory problems. Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in older individuals due to the lack of intrinsic factor (which helps absorb vitamin B12), as well as vegans who do not consume animal products. So vitamin B12 is found in foods such as fish (again?), meat, poultry, milk, eggs and fortified cereals.
4. Vitamin C - Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is well known to help improve the immune system. Although it is not particularly clear, vitamin C may also help improve central nervous system function. Research shows that a deficiency in vitamin C can cause a lack of transmission between neurons. To ensure your diet is adequate in vitamin C, consume lots of fruits and dark green leafy vegetables.
5. Vitamin E -Vitamin E is another antioxidant which has been shown to help improve hair, nails and skin, but it may also possess neuroprotective factors. Research has found that those with Alzheimer's had lower blood levels of tocopherols and total vitamin E. Vitamin E is found in nuts and seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains and vegetable oils.
6. Resveratrol - My personal favorite. A polyphenol that has antioxidant properties which has been shown to help reduce inflammation and decrease plaque formation in the brain during the aging process. According to a study done at Johns Hopkins, another benefit of resveratrol is that it may help protect the brain during a stroke by increasing specific enzymes. Resveratrol is found in the skin of grapes which makes it also prevalent in wine. Which is really the reason why I drink so much wine.
In addition to these nutrients, exercise has also been linked to protect against dementia and Alzheimer's.
What do you think about that?
Alzheimer's is a terrible disease and not only affects the person suffering from it, but also his family. Protecting your brain by eating the right nutrients may be the best thing you can do for yourself and your family.
Sound bite: If you eat fish, try to get at least two servings this week. Or one night of sushi for some people. :)
I am on a roll! Something happened over the weekend and the number of page views on my blog sky- rocketed. I am pretty sure it is because I divulged so much information about myself in my previous post. Which only means that if I want to keep up my celebrity status, I need to write more frequently before everyone forgets about me. Lucky you.
Fortunately, I have also felt more inspired this weekend about health topics so I have some new ideas for material. That does not mean, however, that I will actually post anything of any significance.
Tonight's health topic is about the fattiest organ in the human body - the brain. We all have one (although it is not as apparent in some as it is in others). What you feed your body, you are also feeding one of the most important organs in your body - your brain. Your brain needs certain nutrients to function such as carbohydrates, but other nutrients can help your brain function better and stay sharper longer.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids- I cannot say enough good things about omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are like wax you put on your new sports car. Omega-3's are not only essential, they make the body sparkle (just go with it). Omega- 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids and have been shown to improve depression and improve neural function. Omega-3 fatty acids are also being studied for brain development in- utero. To get more omega-3 fatty acids, eat more fatty fish like salmon. You can also get omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds and walnuts.
2. Vitamin D - ah, yes, vitamin D makes another debut. So, not only is vitamin D good for bones, but also for brain health. Research has shown that people with dementia have significantly lower concentrations of vitamin D. Which is really not all that surprising since it has been found that more and more people have low levels of vitamin D. To get vitamin D, consume foods fortified with vitamin D like cereals and orange juice. Fatty fish and some dairy foods also contain vitamin D.
3. Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to brain shrinkage and memory problems. Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in older individuals due to the lack of intrinsic factor (which helps absorb vitamin B12), as well as vegans who do not consume animal products. So vitamin B12 is found in foods such as fish (again?), meat, poultry, milk, eggs and fortified cereals.
4. Vitamin C - Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is well known to help improve the immune system. Although it is not particularly clear, vitamin C may also help improve central nervous system function. Research shows that a deficiency in vitamin C can cause a lack of transmission between neurons. To ensure your diet is adequate in vitamin C, consume lots of fruits and dark green leafy vegetables.
5. Vitamin E -Vitamin E is another antioxidant which has been shown to help improve hair, nails and skin, but it may also possess neuroprotective factors. Research has found that those with Alzheimer's had lower blood levels of tocopherols and total vitamin E. Vitamin E is found in nuts and seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains and vegetable oils.
6. Resveratrol - My personal favorite. A polyphenol that has antioxidant properties which has been shown to help reduce inflammation and decrease plaque formation in the brain during the aging process. According to a study done at Johns Hopkins, another benefit of resveratrol is that it may help protect the brain during a stroke by increasing specific enzymes. Resveratrol is found in the skin of grapes which makes it also prevalent in wine. Which is really the reason why I drink so much wine.
In addition to these nutrients, exercise has also been linked to protect against dementia and Alzheimer's.
What do you think about that?
Alzheimer's is a terrible disease and not only affects the person suffering from it, but also his family. Protecting your brain by eating the right nutrients may be the best thing you can do for yourself and your family.
Sound bite: If you eat fish, try to get at least two servings this week. Or one night of sushi for some people. :)
LoL I am eating Walnuts right now! merely a snack, of course. The sushi gets flown in fresh on Tuesday, so I need to save my appetite... Helmet: rebels who don't fall won't need one :)
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