Why isn’t brain health top of mind? Recently I’ve been speaking to people all over the country about what a healthy lifestyle means to them. The reason I’m doing this is to understand where brain health fits in with overall health: eating right, exercise and emotional health. What I mostly hear from folks is that…
A recent study in 500,000 people has found an association between consumption of spicy foods and living longer. The study, which followed half a million Chinese people between the ages of 30 and 79 for seven years, found that those who ate spicy food 3 or more times per week were 14% less likely to…
A recent study from New Zealand has found that blackcurrants may improve mental performance and boost mood. The study was small–with just 28 participants–but the results statistically significant. Comparing 2 types of blackcurrant juice and a matched placebo drink, the researchers saw improved attention and mood and decreased fatigue in the two blackcurrant groups but…
Back in 2011, we reported on this blog that several studies had shown that exposure to air pollution can harm the brain and even lead to premature death. A new study in over 1,400 women has just been published, highlighting additional findings on air pollution’s deleterious effects on brain function. Measuring air particulate concentrations, the researchers…
Beta carotene, which gives carrots their orange color, is a powerful antioxidant. Several studies suggest that a low level of beta carotene (a form of vitamin A) is associated with poorer cognitive function, and that increased intake of beta carotene may protect against cognitive decline in older adulthood. A couple of large, long-term studies have…
This holiday season, you may be planning to bring some homemade cranberry sauce on your table. But did you know that cranberries can benefit the brain? Cranberries are not mentioned as often as those superstar brain foods like blueberries and pomegranates seeds, but they have been found to offer a host of brain benefits. Much…
Recent research has found that chronic shift workers–especially, those who have done shift work for at least 10 years–may suffer from a premature aging of the brain equivalent to 6.5 years. The problem occurs because of a disruption in the circadian rhythms of the brain. The researchers believe that disrupting the body’s internal clock can…
Did you know that to the ancient Egyptians, cinnamon was worth more than gold? That’s because cinnamon was long believed to have healthful and medicinal properties that made it extremely valuable. Cinnamon is excellent for brain health and some rigorous studies have found a variety of neurological benefits that cinnamon offers. Here are 5 proven…
Swedish massages have recently been proven to positively impact hormonal levels.
It’s common wisdom that women become emotionally unhinged when it’s their “time of the month,” right? Supposedly, we get weepy, angry, and just generally difficult whenever our periods come along. Is it true? For some women, sure, at least on occasion. Others aren’t as affected. This emotional instability has long been associated with hormonal changes…
