Healthnotes Newswire (July 26, 2007)—Whole grains are heralded for their many health benefits, and here’s another: eating more of these nutrient-dense grains in breakfast cereals and breads, and choosing brown rice over white may actually reduce the risk of dying from inflammatory diseases.
Healthnotes Newswire (April 5, 2007)—Exercise prevents some of aging’s effects on the mind, but until now it was not known if people with Alzheimer’s disease could function better and change the course of their disease by exercising. Now a new study finds that they can.
People with Alzheimer’s disease experience a chronic, progressive loss of mental functioning known as dementia, which affects their ability to perform self-care activities such as getting up from a bed or chair, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, walking, and eating.
”There is evidence that free radicals are a predominant factor in the etiology of a wide range of diseases and conditions such as cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and rheumatoid arthritis.”Try as we might, it is hard to outdo nature. Supplements are a great way to get antioxidants, but the best way to increase antioxidants in your body is through diet. A recent USDA study listed red beans, pinto beans, artichokes, prunes, and berries (including blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, and raspberries) as having the highest levels of antioxidants.
You eat aluminum every day. While it may not be on the menu, aluminum finds its way into our diet through myriad channels including food additives, as a leavening agent, in teas, in medicines, and as a byproduct of cooking with aluminum pans.
Aluminum has long been thought of as a safe, non-toxic metal; new research is beginning to question its safety. Aluminum exposure has been linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Lou Gehrig's diseases. While none of these connections have been proven, it is wise to avoid any additional exposure whenever possible.
Fats have gotten a bad rap. Cruise any supermarket aisle, and the promises of “fat free” and “no trans fats” leap from the shelf. Confused consumers trying to eat well mistakenly eschew any kind of fat - and think they’re doing their body a favor. The fact is there are good fats and bad fats and it is important to know the difference.
Here is something to chew on: eating the right kind of fat isn’t just delicious, but it is necessary for optimum health. Some fats are so important that they are called essential fatty acids, and are essential for proper cell function, brain functioning (especially in children), hormonal balance, for calming inflammation, and for maintaining healthy skin and hair.
”The amount of antioxidants in your body is directly proportional to how long you will live."
- Dr. Richard Cutler, former Director of the National Institute of Aging, Washington
