Pretchi
Are you worried about cognitive decline?
Everyone should…
New research has suggested cheese and red wine could help prevent cognitive decline as people grow older.
The study, spearheaded by principal investigator Auriel Willette and Brandon Klinedinst, is a first-of-its-kind large-scale analysis that connects specific foods to later-in-life cognitive acuity.
Great!
The study’s authors, led by a team at Iowa State University, examined data from more than 1,500 UK adults to explore links between diet and age-related cognitive decline.
Their study reveals this popular pairing may actually contribute to better cognitive health as you age. Researchers say this is the first large-scale report which finds that specific foods can help fight Alzheimer’s disease.
Eating Cheese
The cheese was by far the most protective food said the researchers, after analyzing dietary survey data and cognitive test results on participants, gathered over a 10-year period.
You should thank those cheese sticks you are eating currently. They will protect your brain from mental decline as you grow older—more so than any other food.
What’s even better is that cheese is beneficial even if you are already in your senior years. If you don’t include cheese in your regular diet, then now is the time to start doing it.
Cheese contains many fatty acids and omega-3 which is essential for proper brain function. Glutathione, an antioxidant, is prevalent in many kinds of cheese. It is one of the antioxidants that help prevent neurodegeneration, especially in later years.
So which cheeses are the healthiest options for your brain and body?
Choose cheeses that have reduced sodium and fat content, and stay away from processed cheese.
Drinking Wine
The study also finds consuming alcohol daily, particularly red wine, can improve cognitive function as you age. While red meat continues to be a dietary concern, researchers say eating lamb weekly can increase mental prowess over the long haul.
Enhancing cognitive function is probably one of the things that every person desires. Who doesn’t want a healthy mind and the ability to think clearly? We sure do!
How does your wine taste? Good? Awesome!
It might taste great and help you to relax, but wine is also advantageous for your brain. Red wine is the best choice, although all wines will improve your mental acuity.
Wine contains nutrients and antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the brain and wash away toxins that are found in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). These toxins include the proteins responsible for damaging brain cells in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
When the brain has less inflammation and is clear of toxins, you can think better. Blood will circulate through your gray matter, and the connection between brain cells will become stronger.
You don’t need to drink wine excessively to obtain these benefits. A single serving is sufficient.
Although wine can benefit your cognitive prowess, you don’t have to consume it. If you have overcome addiction, currently struggle with it, or have an addictive personality, then it may be best to refrain from alcohol.
You have to do what is best for you. There are other ways to prevent cognitive decline that you can use instead of drinking alcohol.
Nutrition Is a Habit
Eating food and drinking fluids are part of your daily activities. You could have a routine with strict mealtimes and a weekly meal plan, or you might throw something together at the last minute. Either way, eating occurs every day which makes it a habit.
Habits are essential for your brain to thrive. Your brain is full of neural networks—cells that communicate with each other—and these pathways strengthen when they are exposed to the same messages repetitively.
This is true for everything in your life regardless of whether it comes to food or other activities. You want your brain to be the best it can be, so start adding foods to your diet that will improve your cognitive function.
Make it a habit to plan your meals and fill them with nutritious food choices. Add the bottle of wine and pack of cheese to this plan for each week. After a while, this habit will pay off, and you will experience better thinking.
One thing researchers find is not good for long-term brain function is excessive use of salt. They add people who are already at risk for Alzheimer’s disease are likely the only ones who need to strictly watch their salt intake.
Establish a Healthy Lifestyle for Good
When you eat healthy foods, your brain and body will thank you. Your mind is inextricably linked to your physical health. If your mind is healthy, your body will be, too.
Sources: Neurogym, ScienceDaily
