We can live in denial if we choose, or just be undisciplined about our food choices (I plead guilty to this), however, most of us know that fruits and vegetables are good for us for many reasons. One of those reasons is because most of them contain high levels of antioxidants which have been shown in study after study to be good for the heart, the brain and our overall health.
Sciencedaily.com recently reported on a study that adds even more impressive evidence to the theory that antioxidants, particularly those found in fruits, can slow aging. The article, titled Eating Berries May Activate the Brain’s Natural Housekeeper for Healthy Aging, highlights a study that equates the antioxidants we can get from fruit with anti-aging properties for the whole body, including our brains.
The sciencedaily.com article says new research: “… focused on…why nerve function declines with aging. It involves a reduction in the brain’s natural house-cleaning process. Cells called microglia are the housekeepers. In a process called autophagy, they remove and recycle biochemical debris that otherwise would interfere with brain function.”
The scientists also believe that the inability of the body to “clean house” can lead us to be “vulnerable to degenerative brain diseases, heart disease, cancer, and other age-related diseases.”
It doesn’t take a lot of research to discover that our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients as we age. Nor would most of us claim to have perfect diets.
What constitutes a perfect diet is even disputed by experts in nutrition, and from what I’ve read, scientists are finding increasing evidence that shows differences in the amounts of nutrients each of our bodies need. Naturally, there are basic nutrients we all need to survive and stay reasonably healthy. However, some people feel better with a vegetarian diet, while others lack energy, or have blood sugar problems, unless they have at least some meat. Some people with specific health issues need higher amounts of certain vitamins, protein and other nutrients than the general population.
What I’ve personally seen disputed is that fruits and vegetables are good for the majority of people. However we choose to look at this study, or other research, I believe we’d be hard pressed to find a case against eating more fruit. Hey, I’m trying, okay?
Posted in Dementia, Diet, Health | 2 Comments »
Don’t you just love knowing that there actually are things we can do to at least have a chance at aging better and healthier?
These studies attract me for that reason. We can do something right now.
Thanks for the comment.
Carol
Great information here about including berries into your diet. It is certainly interesting to read about empirical evidence regarding this relationship, thanks for sharing the article!