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A recent study from Penn State College of Medicine highlights that any form of physical activity can enhance cognitive processing speed, akin to reversing cognitive aging by four years. Traditionally, moderate-to-vigorous exercise has been linked to improved brain health, but this research, published in the *Annals of Behavioral Medicine*, indicates that even light daily activities—like walking or household chores—yield cognitive benefits. Utilizing a mobile app, researchers tracked participants' activity levels and cognitive performance in real-time over a week. Results showed that brain processing speed improved after physical activity, although working memory scores remained unchanged. Experts suggest this boost may stem from heightened alertness associated with movement. While the study emphasizes the advantages of regular activity, it also notes that significant neurobiological changes typically require longer durations of exercise. Overall, the findings reinforce the notion that any movement is beneficial for cognitive function.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 1 pmeznews.inA recent study from Spain raises concerns about the health claims of processed foods marketed as "high-protein." Analyzing over 4,300 items from a Spanish food database, researchers found that 90.8% of products with protein claims were classified as "less healthy," often containing high levels of sodium, fat, and sugar. Notably, around 60% of these products had added protein, primarily from plant sources, yet many also contained undesirable nutrients. While protein is essential for health, experts caution against assuming that high-protein labels equate to healthier options. They recommend opting for whole food sources of protein, such as nuts or lean meats, rather than processed items. The study highlights the need for consumers to critically evaluate nutritional labels and consider professional guidance when making dietary choices, as misleading packaging can lead to unhealthy eating habits.
Published: Dec 25 2024, 1 pmeznews.inIn 2024, research highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health, emphasizing brain, heart, and metabolic wellness through sleep, diet, and exercise. A recent podcast episode from _Medical News Today_ outlines three actionable resolutions to enhance well-being as the New Year approaches. Experts urge individuals to set realistic, specific goals rather than overwhelming resolutions, advocating for manageable lifestyle changes. Key findings from 2024 reveal that disrupted sleep in individuals aged 30-40 may lead to memory issues and accelerated brain aging. Additionally, engaging in any form of exercise is linked to brain rejuvenation and potentially increased lifespan, while sedentary behavior raises risks for heart failure. Furthermore, the World Health Organization has released dietary guidelines, stressing the importance of balanced nutrition. For comprehensive strategies on improving sleep, diet, and exercise, listeners are encouraged to explore the full podcast episode.
Published: Dec 24 2024, 8 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *Nutrition Research* suggests that a diet rich in antioxidants and whole, nutrient-dense foods may significantly alleviate chronic pain, particularly among women. The research found that higher diet quality was linked to reduced pain levels, independent of body fat, with women experiencing pain reductions of up to 48% when consuming more "core foods" like fruits and vegetables. Conversely, no significant effects were observed in men. Experts emphasize that a healthy diet can mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known contributors to pain. They recommend incorporating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamins while limiting processed foods. The findings support the notion of dietary interventions as a complementary approach to traditional pain management, highlighting the importance of a holistic lifestyle in improving overall well-being and pain levels.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 7 pmeznews.inA recent review published in *Nutrients* underscores the potential link between magnesium levels and cardiovascular health, suggesting that inadequate magnesium intake may elevate the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. The review highlights that many individuals do not meet recommended magnesium levels, which can lead to conditions like hypomagnesemia or chronic latent magnesium deficiency, complicating diagnosis. Research indicates that low magnesium may contribute to inflammatory and oxidative stress, abnormal lipid levels, and endothelial dysfunction. Experts emphasize the importance of dietary magnesium, with over a quarter of adults possibly experiencing mild to moderate deficiency. While magnesium supplementation is considered safe, its efficacy in improving heart health remains uncertain, warranting further randomized controlled trials. Dietitian Karen Z. Berg recommends including magnesium-rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, to support overall health and cardiovascular function.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 1 pmeznews.inA recent narrative review published in the journal *Nutrients* has highlighted the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The review identifies key nutrients such as plant-derived proteins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, and resveratrol that may alleviate IBD symptoms. It emphasizes the importance of gut microbiota and suggests that the diet's high fiber, fruits, and low processed foods could enhance gut health. While the Mediterranean diet is already recommended for IBD management, the exact mechanisms behind its benefits remain unclear. Experts stress the need for further research, particularly in understanding how these dietary components interact with gut microorganisms. Despite some promising findings, the review acknowledges limitations, including reliance on preclinical data, and calls for more comprehensive studies to deepen understanding of the diet's role in IBD treatment.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 2 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *Nutrition & Diabetes* indicates that consuming over 45% of daily calories after 5 PM may adversely affect blood glucose levels, particularly in older adults with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes. Conducted by researchers from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya and Columbia University, the study involved 26 participants who were divided into "early eaters" and "late eaters." The findings revealed that late eaters exhibited significantly higher blood glucose levels after meals, regardless of overall calorie intake or body weight. Experts recommend that dinner should be the lightest meal of the day, emphasizing healthy fats and proteins while minimizing carbohydrates and sugars. Furthermore, maintaining consistent, quality sleep is crucial for regulating appetite and glucose metabolism, as hormonal changes during sleep influence hunger. The study underscores the importance of meal timing and composition in managing metabolic health, especially as holiday feasting approaches.
Published: Dec 20 2024, 9 pmeznews.inA new study from the University of Miami highlights a concerning link between sleep apnea and cognitive health, revealing that approximately 936 million adults worldwide suffer from this sleep disorder. The research, which focused on older adults of Latin descent, found that individuals with sleep apnea exhibited an enlarged hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory, and alterations in white matter associated with aging. These changes were linked to lower oxygen levels during sleep, raising concerns about the potential for increased risk of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Lead researcher Dr. Alberto R. Ramos emphasized the importance of treating sleep apnea as a strategy to enhance brain health and mitigate dementia risks. The findings, published in *Neurology*, suggest that addressing sleep disorders could be crucial in the fight against cognitive decline, underscoring the need for further research and treatment interventions.
Published: Dec 19 2024, 7 pmeznews.inNew research from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami has established a significant link between accelerated biological age and an increased risk of developing colon polyps, a precursor to colorectal cancer. The study indicates that for each additional year of accelerated aging, the risk of colon polyps rises by 16%. Biological age, which reflects the body's physiological state rather than chronological age, is influenced by lifestyle factors and environmental conditions. As rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, particularly in individuals under 50, continue to climb, experts advocate for earlier screenings for those exhibiting signs of accelerated aging. The findings suggest that incorporating biological age into risk assessments could enhance screening strategies, allowing for timely detection and prevention of cancer. However, researchers stress the need for larger studies to fully understand the relationship between biological age and cancer risk.
Published: Dec 18 2024, 7 pmeznews.inA recent study published in the journal *Neurology* has revealed that fluctuating blood pressure significantly increases the risk of cognitive decline, particularly among older Black men. Analyzing data from 4,770 participants aged 65 and older, the researchers found that those with the highest blood pressure variability over 18 years scored lower on cognitive tests, with Black men experiencing the most pronounced effects—equating to an additional 2.8 years of cognitive aging. The study highlights that blood pressure variability may be a more critical predictor of cognitive decline than average blood pressure readings, especially given that older Black adults face a greater burden of cardiovascular risk factors. The authors advocate for tailored treatment plans and increased awareness of the importance of managing blood pressure fluctuations as a public health priority to mitigate cognitive decline in aging populations.
Published: Dec 17 2024, 1 pmeznews.inResearch from the University of Kentucky suggests that dietary choices may play a crucial role in reducing iron accumulation in the brain, potentially lowering the risk of cognitive decline as people age. While iron is essential for various bodily functions, excessive buildup in the brain has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. In a follow-up study involving 72 older adults, researchers found that participants with higher intakes of antioxidants, vitamins, iron-chelating nutrients, and polyunsaturated fatty acids exhibited significantly less brain iron accumulation over three years. The study highlights the importance of a nutrient-rich diet, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diets, in mitigating age-related cognitive decline. Experts emphasize the need for further research, including randomized clinical trials, to explore specific dietary interventions for brain health, alongside maintaining overall healthy lifestyle practices.
Published: Dec 17 2024, 12 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews