PETER'S PRINCIPLES - Sept. 30, 2007
Brad from Waterford emails asking what he can add to the diet to keep his brain sharp?
Brad, pile your plate high with fruits and vegetables! Researchers followed a group of more than 1,600 people for 10 years. They watched their diet and measured their mental sharpness. They found those who ate foods with high flavonoids had better cognitive function than those who did not eat as many foods with flavonoids. Flavonoids are nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. You get an added benefit with these foods, because they are also full of antioxidants and fiber.
Cognitive function typically declines with age. With this new study, experts hope adding more good food to a person's diet could help slow that decline.
Grace from Southfield emails asking what she can do to lower her chances of getting Parkinson's disease?
Grace, the answer is exercise! Researchers followed more than 150,000 men and women and kept a close eye on their diet and lifestyle factors. Experts found those who did 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical exercise each day decreased their risk of developing Parkinson's disease by 40%! They also believe Parkinson's patients can improve their physical performance and their daily activities by exercising. Parkinson's disease is a motor system disorder. As it progresses people may find it difficult to complete simple tasks.
