“5 Food That Can Add Years to Your Life,” in AARP Sept & Oct 2006
- Spirulina – have antioxidants, protein and omega fatty acids.
- Cranberries, blueberries, blackberries – have antioxidants and polyphenols
- Leafy greens – have antioxidants (lutein: proving to protect against macular degeneration)
- Almonds and walnuts – has omega-6 fatty acids, phytosterols and vitamin E which tend to lead to a lower risk for Parkinson’s and lower cholesterol.
- Flaxseed – has fiber and omega-3 fatty acids
Eating berries can help strengthen bones reducing the risk for osteoporosis. After working on a study regarding blueberry consumption and its effects on bone density at Florida University, Bahram Arjrate, Ph.D., R.D. says, “We believe that polyphenols in the berries slowed the rate [of bone turnover], ultimately saving bone.”
– “The Total-Body Benefits of Berries” in Eating Well July/Aug 2008
Women who eat a lot of vitamin C-packed foods (ex guava) have fewer wrinkles than women who don’t eat many, according to a recent study that tracked the diets of more than 4,000 American women ages 40 to 74
– “Superfruits,” on Prevention: The Indian Edition May 27, 2008
Food with phytoestrogens (lignans included) can be useful in preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease
–“Dietary phytoestrogens in the prevention of long-term postmenopausal diseases,” in International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics v.67, 1999, p.39-40
Folic acid can aid memory, is essential for brain function and a deficiency can lead to depression and cognitive impairment. The spice curcumin has been shown to counteract Alzheimer’s disease and brain trauma in animal models. It has been shown that junk food can actually damage the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids help to improve learning and memory and fight against depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia and dementia. Children with increased omega-3 fatty acids perform better in school
– “Food as Brain Medicine,” on UCLA: Today Online July 9, 2008
Older dogs fed a diet rich in antioxidants over several years were able to perform tasks and learn new tricks far better than fellow canines fed a normal diet. “It indicated the brain has a capacity to recover some age-related loss of cognitive function.” MRI scans showed structural changes in the brains of the dogs on the antioxidant diet and a decrease in the buildup of amyloid plaque. Curcumin in mice was found to reduceamyloid plaques and limit damage from oxidation and inflammation. B vitamins may play a role in the development of new brain cells
– “Food for Thought: Can Diet Protect Memory?” on MSNBC.com December 10, 2004
Glucose boosts people’s cognitive performance by improving people’s adeptness at tasks involving memory and attention. Eldery people who drank glucose recalled almost twice as much from a narrative prose passage as those who drank saccharin
– “Food for Thought: Glucose is good for learning and memory,” in the Monitor on Psychology v.31 number 3 March 2000
The higher the concentration of glucose in your blood, the better your memory and concentration. Studies have shown that college students given 3 to 4 grams of choline 1 hour before taking memory tests scored higher than those who didn’t have any choline
– “Food for Thought,” on Men’s Health.com by Katrin McDonald.
