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Brain News: Cognitive Decline May Start in Your 20s
If you're in your late 20s and your brain feels a little more sluggish than usual, don't blame your last late-night ANTM TiVo marathon. New research indicates that the cognitive decline once associated with old age begins much earlier than previously thought. It seems that brain function peaks around 22 years and begins to slowly shrink starting around 27 years.
No-Carb Diets Could Crash Your Brain's Memory
As far as fad diets go, the low-carbohydrate train has enjoyed a prolonged ride when compared to its more trendy counterparts. Some dieters shun carbs because their bodies respond by shedding pounds, but new research shows they could also be sacrificing some very important brain power.
The brain converts carbohydrates to glucose for proper functionality, and severely restricting carb intake can limit our ability to remember.
Another Reason to Exercise: It's Keeps You Sharp
A daily dose of aerobic exercise is good for your mind just as much as it is for your heart and waistline.
One of the many downfalls of aging is that our brains become not as sharp as they used to be resulting in forgetting things easily along with the reduced ability to pay attention. Recent research out of the Netherlands has found that aerobics can boost cognitive processing speed, motor function, and visual and auditory attention in older adults.
Drink Cocoa for Your Brain
There are so many reasons to enjoy a nice, hot mug of cocoa, and now there are even more.
A recent study found that cocoa increases blood flow to the brain, which means it may be helpful in treating dementia since it is marked by decreased blood flow in the brain.
Cocoa is high in the anti-oxidant known as flavanol, and flavanol promotes
dilation of the arteries.
Your Brain’s Default Setting Is Daydreaming
It looks like a wandering mind is the human brain's default setting.
Researchers are unraveling the complexities of the brain and the latest findings show that with no specific task at hand we simply daydream. Not that all the thoughts are of a dream date with McDreamy, they are a little more like "to do" lists.
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In Defense of Cardio: It's Good For Your Brain
I've seen a lot of cardio bashing recently. It reminds me of the Atkins Diet-inspired carb bashing that took place in the 90s. There are so many reasons aerobic training is good for your body, and to that list we need to add that it also benefits your brain.
What's the Diff: Omega-3s vs. Omega-6s
Omegas are all the buzz right now, and it seems like everywhere you turn, new foods are being enhanced with this essential fatty acid, or labeled as an excellent source. What people don't know is that there are different types of omegas, and eating too much of one kind can actually be harmful to your body.
Omega-3s are found in flax seeds, walnuts, cod liver oil, and fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, albacore tuna, and salmon.
Another Plastic Health Risk — Erectile Dysfunction
While there have been previous studies, linking bisphenol A (BPA), found in hard plastics, to health problems, including precancerous tumors, prostate cancer, and brain damage, a new study, conducted in China, substantiates its claims with results in humans. In one of the first studies of its kind to be conducted on humans, researchers are finding that much of what they've previously seen in animal studies holds true — men exposed to significant amounts of BPA are at greater risk of sexual health problems.
The study compared the levels of sexual dysfunction in two groups of male factory workers — one group, which was exposed to high levels of BPA, while the other was not.
Another Reason to Eat Carbs: Boost Your Mood
The majority of Fit readers call themselves carb queens, and Winter can make those carbohydrate cravings even more intense. But have no fear: scientists are finding even more reasons not to avoid this essential food group.
A recent study of more than 100 obese and overweight adults in Australia found that dieting put people in a better mood; a drop in pounds led to increased satisfaction.
Why Exercise Won't Help You Lose Weight . . . Sort Of
There have been a lot of reports in the last year confirming that contrary to popular belief, not all exercise leads to significant weight loss. If you want to shed pounds, it mostly comes down to diet. It’s no surprise that changing your diet can help you lose weight, but for decades, many people believed that exercise was the best pathway to a slimmer, fitter you.
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