The link between diet and the risk of developing dementia is not new. Various eating patterns can either reduce or increase a person’s dementia risk. For example, the Mediterranean and MIND diets prioritize foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and legumes, that improve cognitive function. On the other side of the equation, there are foods that increase the risk of cognitive decline. 

It should not come as a surprise that sugar is under a white hot light. Research indicates that excess sugar intake can harm both overall health, including brain health. According to the researchers behind this new study, sugar can interact with your genetics and impact long-term brain health. Continue reading to learn about key points of the study. 

About The Study

Researchers asked the following questions for this study:

• Does sugar intake (including added and total sugars) increase the risk of dementia?
• Does a person’s genetic makeup change that relationship?

In order to answer those questions, researchers observed dietary data from over 158,000 people in the UK Biobank, a massive study looking at how genetics, environment, and lifestyle habits influence disease. Researchers also calculated the genetic risk scores for sugar metabolism, dementia risk, and gut bacteria. The reason they examined gut bacteria is because of the role the gut-brain axis plays in disease development. They monitored the number of participants diagnosed with dementia for about 10 years. 

How Does Added Sugar Increase Dementia Risk?

The results of this study were consistent with previous studies: sugar intake increases the risk of dementia. Specifically, a higher intake of free sugars (the sugars added to foods or those found in syrups and fruit juices) was linked to a 43% higher risk of dementia. In fact, even natural sugars found in fruits and dairy products were linked to a minor increased risk of dementia. That said, the presence of fiber and antioxidants in those foods outweighs any potential downsides. 

Through the study, researchers noticed that genetics influence the risk of dementia. Participants who had genes tied to poor sugar metabolism, higher dementia risk, or certain gut flora were more vulnerable to the effects of sugar. Specifically, Oscillospira and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, two types of gut bacteria, stood out as influential to dementia risk. 

Why Are Added Sugars So Problematic?

Added sugars and free sugars (found in pure sugar sources like honey, syrup, and fruit juices) are quickly and easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Because of that, they spike blood sugar and insulin. Additionally, these foods lack the fiber and nutrients that offer brain protection, which ultimately makes them more harmful over time. 

How To Reduce Your Risk Of Dementia

There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of dementia, such as exercising and taking certain vitamins. In the case of this study, you can protect your cognition by reducing the intake of free and added sugars. Perhaps you opt for plain Greek yogurt instead of sugary, fruit-flavored yogurt. You can replace unhealthy, carbs snacks with whole foods, such as apples and almond butter. Swap out the sugary drinks with unsweetened varieties. Cook your meals at home to control the sodium and sugar content. Other science-backed ways to reduce dementia risk include:

• Stay active: Exercise benefits the heart and the brain! A 2024 study found that being physically active every day, be it walking the dog, gardening, or household chores, can help improve cognitive processing speed, which ultimately keeps the brain sharp.
• Limit alcohol intake: Various studies show that excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If you currently drink alcoholic beverages, consider reducing the amount and frequency at which you do so. 
• Take a vitamin D supplement: According to one study of over 1,600 older adults, those with a moderate vitamin D deficiency had a 50-70% higher risk of dementia. Supplementing with vitamin D is an effective way to help prevent a deficiency. Consult your healthcare professional to determine the right amount to take. 
• Prioritize your sleep: Quality sleep matters, not just for energy levels, but also for your brain. In fact, it is one of the most powerful ways to maintain cognitive health. Sleep helps support memory retention and reduces brain inflammation.

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Depending on who you are, breakfast may or may not be the most important meal of the day. Some people skip breakfast as part of an intermittent fasting meal plan, while others require the nutrients from that meal to power them until lunch. Given that breakfast is the first meal of the day, it is your chance to give your body nutrient-dense foods for energy and focus. 

The unfortunate reality is that there are many breakfast foods in the Standard American Diet that do more harm than good. Fueling the body with bacon, eggs, and toast is not on par with homemade chia pudding, for example. Some breakfast foods provide all-day clarity, while others cause stress and wreak havoc on your brain. Continue reading to learn about a number of breakfast foods that can cause stress and make the brain tired. 

Loaded Coffee

What is a loaded coffee? We can assure you that it is not a velvety cup of black coffee that you made with a French press or pour over. A loaded coffee contains refined sugars (a lot of them), artificial flavors, and dairy, all of which increase inflammation in the brain and body. Inflammation can increase symptoms of psychological stress and impair cognitive functions. Avoid the sugary treat and consider straight black coffee or an almond milk cappuccino. 

Cereals

There are a handful of breakfast cereals that have their benefits, but most cereals are loaded with sugars. Are they easy to prepare in the morning? Absolutely, but that is because you only need to add your choice of milk or non-dairy milk. Unfortunately, cereal boasts no cognitive benefits, as most varieties are devoid of nutrients. It is better to nourish the body with whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats. A great example of that is a bowl of oatmeal or overnight oats. Don’t miss your opportunity to nourish your body!

Fruity Yogurts

You have seen the strawberry banana or vanilla yogurt with granola pack in the grocery store before. These are sugar bombs, but the yogurt aspect makes you think it is a healthy breakfast choice. Plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries, however, is a great breakfast option that can promote gut and brain health. Fruit-flavored yogurts are different, and you can see that difference by reading the nutrition label. For your reference, four grams of sugar equates to one teaspoon, so make sure that you are not consuming eight to 10 grams of sugar per serving on something that is supposed to be healthy. 

“The Detective”

We are giving this name to the classic combo of donuts and coffee, due to the stereotypical police officer/detective eating donuts and drinking coffee. Plain black coffee can provide some valuable nutrients, but that donut does away with it all. Not only does eating a donut make you want to eat more, but it also makes you crave unhealthy carbs. Donuts are loaded with pro-inflammatory carbohydrates and inflammatory oils. Both can set you up for short-term brain fog and poor memory outcomes in the long run. 

All-Fruit Smoothies

A smoothie is a great way to deliver a lot of nutrients to the body in one fell swoop. It is a great breakfast item, but the problem is when you only include fruit in the smoothie. You don’t want to make a sweet milkshake in disguise, which is why we encourage you to blend a mixture of fruits and vegetables. If you only consume all-fruit smoothies, you may experience a big blood sugar spike, which can cause an energy crash a few hours later. Don’t let yourself become a victim of fatigue, anxiety, and general irritability! 

Breakfast Burritos

A breakfast burrito can be made with healthy ingredients. If you only include eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheese, though, you may wind up feeling bloated and run-down. The tortilla also introduces unnecessary simple carbohydrates and refined starches. If you want to make a breakfast burrito healthier for the gut and brain, consider skipping the wrap and enjoy some scrambled eggs with fresh vegetables, black beans, and a splash of salsa.

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Do you feel a bit of brain fog in these hotter months? It’s logical to think that your sleep pattern may be to blame, but the heat may have a bigger influence on brain health than you realize. A few summers ago, researchers in Boston studied young adults living in college dorm rooms during a heat wave. Some of the participants had central air conditioning (AC) and slept in a 71-degree Fahrenheit (F) environment. Other participants did not have AC and the room averaged 80 degrees F.

For nearly two weeks of the study, students took a few tests every morning administered via their cell phones. The students who had to sleep in the hotter environment performed measurably worse on the tests than the students who slept in the cooler environment. One of the tests involved math, requiring simple addition and subtraction. A second test, the Stroop test, jumbled words and colors. If the participants saw the word “red” in a blue circle, they had to respond “blue,” according to the study authors. 

If your reaction time is slower, then you may get tripped up more easily on certain questions. Researchers behind the study found that heat slows your reaction time. In fact, they saw reductions in the order of 10% in response times and accuracy. Part of that may stem from interrupted sleep, or lack of sleep. When the sleeping environment is hotter and you are not accustomed to heat, it is much more difficult to get quality sleep. That said, a body of research suggests that the heat itself interferes with cognition. 

What Does Other Research Say?

A similar study from 2021 documented reduced cognitive performance at temperatures of 79 degrees F. As the temperatures rose during the study, researchers observed lower activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the anti-stress system that can help you remain calm. Additionally, researchers noticed that oxygen saturation levels in the blood were much lower at higher temperatures. That most likely explained the reduction in cognitive performance. 

Other studies found that higher temperatures in an office setting made office workers score lower on standardized tests. One of those studies found that productivity in the workplace was higher when the air temperature averaged 72 degrees F. Productivity began to decrease once temperatures reached the mid-70s. Additional research found that high school students performed more poorly on standardized tests when the days were hotter. Hotter days also made students more irritable or moodier, which may result from elevated cortisol levels. Too much cortisol in the body can induce frequent stress responses. 

Given that extreme heat waves are more common nowadays, health experts are more interested in understanding how heat can influence mechanisms that influence anxiety-related problems and mood. A study from 2022 found that hospital visits for mental health-related issues rose during extremely hot weather. That is consistent with what a lot of physicians explain. 

How Do You Combat The Effects Of Heat?

First and foremost, you need to hydrate as much as possible when the weather is hot. In hotter weather, you lose more sweat, so you have to replenish those fluids. In addition to water, drink electrolyte beverages (preferably not sugary sports drinks) that help replenish lost nutrients. In regards to the first study we discussed at the beginning of the article, students that slept in hot rooms drank less than six glasses of liquid per day. Prior research showed that being slightly dehydrated led to impaired cognitive performance. Drink plenty of water to keep your physical and mental health working optimally!

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At Dherbs, we constantly preach the benefits of adhering to a plant-based diet, primarily because plant foods offer valuable nutritional benefits. It is true that fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation, improve immune function, boost brain health, etc. What may shock you is that some of these fruits and vegetables, despite being rich in nutrients, can cause some serious bloating. Lentils, some fruits, and various cruciferous vegetables, can be quite difficult for some people to digest.

The good news is that there are foods that can help counteract all that bloating. Stuff a whole bunch of those anti-bloat foods in a smoothie and enjoy it when you’re feeling like your pants won’t button properly. So what is in this smoothie that gives it the anti-bloating properties? Let’s detail the ingredients below:

• Ginger: A natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that also functions as a digestive aid. It works to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, which helps prevent bloating.
• Cucumber: The cucumber is made up of over 90% water, which not only aids your hydration efforts, but also helps fight bloating. Too often do people get bloated because they are not properly hydrated.
• Banana: Bananas are rich in potassium, which works to regulate sodium levels, an effort that prevents water retention. Too much sodium in the body can increase the risk of elevated blood pressure levels and bloating. That is why bananas and other potassium-rich foods help fight back against bloating.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Although this ingredient is optional and the smoothie will taste better without it, apple cider vinegar does help relieve bloating and gas. If you are serious about reducing that bloat, consider adding this to the smoothie.
• Coconut Water: This is the fresh stuff directly from a young Thai coconut. Like bananas, it is rich in potassium.

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Previously, various studies have indicated that resistance training and intense aerobic workouts can benefit brain health, among other things. Findings from a new study, however, reveal that regular exercise, even at low-intensity, can help older adults delay cognitive decline. This research promises big news for people at risk for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. 

Light exercise includes stretching, balance, training, Tai Chi, aqua aerobics, or yoga. Earlier research suggests that intense physical activity could help prevent cognitive decline and dementia. This newer study focused on older adults already suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). That is the stage between normal cognitive skills and dementia. People with MCI can experience mild memory loss and language issues, but it does not compromise day-to-day living. It is part of the EXERT study (Exercise in Adults With Mild Memory Problems), the largest rigorous trial of exercise ever conducted for adults with MCI.

Low-Intensity Activity Prevented Brain Shrinkage

• This study included about 300 older adults with MCI. These adults did not exercise regular and were divided into one of two groups:
• Moderate-high intensity: This group performed moderate-high intensity aerobic training, primarily by walking on a treadmill.
• Low-intensity: This group engaged in balance skill, light resistance training using resistance bands, and stretching. 

During the study, every participant exercised three to four times per week for one year. All of the training was completed under the supervision of a YMCA trainer. The study also included regular cognitive function assessments. The researchers compared this with an existing dataset of comparable people, who received usual care, including health checkups and medication management. All of that was through their medical provider.

Researchers expected to see a cognitive decline in the low-intensity exercise group compared to the moderate-high intensity exercise group. As it turns out, that was not the case. The key findings are as follows:

• Cognitive function was stable over the 12-month period in both exercise groups. 
• Both exercise groups displayed less loss of brain volume, including in the prefrontal cortex, over the course of the study. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision-making, executive function, and personality.
• Cognitive decline was significantly less for both groups during the study than for individuals outside the study. 
• Another interesting observation that researchers noted was that, in addition to slowing cognitive decline, exercise appeared to slow underlying brain changes typically associated with Alzheimer’s risk. 

No Sweating Required To Boost Brain Health

Researchers are hopeful because even lower intensity exercise can benefit brain health. Previous studies have made it clear that moderate- to high-intensity exercise is the minimum amount of exercise effort required to support memory and cognitive abilities. Unfortunately, that level of intensity is not feasible for every person, especially if they are older and not as mobile. If done correctly and regularly, any exercise can have cognitive benefits. 

If you have the ability to ramp up the intensity, you may experience benefits that extend beyond those that relate to the brain. The general recommendation is to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. Any kind of movement, however, will offer some protection to the brain, improve mood, and help mental health. 

Consistency Is The Answer

One of the key takeaways from this study is that consistency is key if you want to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The exercise you should do is the one that you will actually do on a regular basis. Any form of movement is better than no movement at all. Make lifestyle changes that you can stick with, no matter how small they are, to get the ball rolling. Find a friend, an exercise buddy if you will, and go to fitness classes or find a fun activity to do together. You can also get a personal trainer, who will hold you accountable. Just remember to be consistent in whatever you decide to do.

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It’s never a bad idea to eat your vegetables, especially if they are of the cruciferous variety. This large family of nutrient-dense vegetables is known for their crunchy, slightly bitter nature. Broccoli is probably the most famous cruciferous family member, but the rest of the veggies in the family are well-regarded for their health benefits. 

What Are Cruciferous Vegetables?

Belonging to the genus Brassica, cruciferous vegetables get their name from their four-petaled flowers, which resemble a crucifix, or cross. Their rich colors indicate that they are chock-full of nutrients. Researchers note that the deeper the color of a fruit or vegetable, the more nutrient-dense it is. For example, spinach has a richer nutritional profile than iceberg lettuce. The list of notable cruciferous vegetables includes:

• Broccoli
• Kale
• Turnips
• Cauliflower
• Arugula
• Brussels sprouts
• Chard
• Cabbage
• Bok choy
• Watercress
• Collard greens
• Horseradish 
• Kohlrabi
• Mustard greens

Health Benefits

Thanks to their unique combination of essential nutrients and unique plant compounds, cruciferous vegetables offer a range of health benefits. Most of them contain sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol (I3C), both of which have been extensively studied for their health properties. For example, those compounds may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support cellular health, among other benefits. Continue reading to learn how cruciferous vegetables benefit your overall health. 

They Provide Lots Of Folate

Vitamin B9, or folate, is an essential nutrient required for the formation of red blood cells and DNA. It is especially important for pregnant people, as it can help reduce the risk of birth defects. That is why you commonly see its synthetic form (folic acid) in prenatal vitamins. Because folate moves through your system at a quick rate, health experts encourage you to consume it regularly. Ideally, adults and children over the age of four should consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate per day. Broccoli, turnip greens, and Brussels sprouts are especially rich in this nutrient. 

They May Benefit Gut Health

Research shows that only 9% of women and 5% of men consume the recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. Incorporating more cruciferous vegetables into your diet may help you meet your daily needs. Cruciferous veggies contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which feed the beneficial bacteria that inhabit the gut. In doing so, you increase diversity in the gut microbiome, which may enhance digestive function and immune function. 

They May Reduce Cancer Risk

Sulforaphane is a compound that benefits the body in numerous ways, one of which is playing a role in cancer protection. How does it do that? Well, it works to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. I3C is another compound found in cruciferous vegetables that has been shown to activate tumor suppressor genes, which may help prevent tumor growth. Additionally, a number of studies suggest that the glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables may reduce the risk of breast, pancreatic, lung, bladder, colon, and prostate cancers. These veggies may also help to counteract cancer-causing nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are found in barbecued, charred, or cured fish or meats. 

They May Boost Brain Health

Pass the broccoli, the Brussels, the cabbage, kale, and more if you want to stay mentally sharp as you age. Research shows that cruciferous vegetables contain valuable compounds including I3C and diindolylmethane, which offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the brain. Most cruciferous vegetables also contain vitamin E, vitamin K, and beta-carotene, all of which fight free radicals and oxidative stress, which may contribute to cognitive decline. Vitamin E safeguards your cells, including brain cells, which may help delay brain aging. Vitamin K has been shown to boost memory, while beta-carotene may slow cognitive decline. 

They May Improve Heart Health

According to several studies, eating more cruciferous vegetables may lower your risk of death from heart disease. Researchers note that the heart-protective effects may come from the isothiocyanate compounds that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. The sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables has demonstrated an ability to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol. A small study that included nine participants found that supplementing with sulforaphane led to a 12% reduction in LDL cholesterol after just six weeks, and a 24% reduction after 12 weeks.

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It’s no secret that cases of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are on the rise. In fact, data from 2022 found that nearly 10% of American adults ages 65 and older have dementia. Another 22% experience mild cognitive impairment. An even more unsettling fact is that dementia cases are projected to double by the year 2060. That means that new dementia cases will rise to reach one million per year. 

Researchers note that the current lifetime risk of developing dementia after age 55 is 42%. Women face an even higher likelihood due to their longer life expectancy. Although aging is the dominant risk factor at the moment, health conditions including hypertension, poor mental health, obesity, and diabetes can contribute to the rising crisis. These projections are grim, but there are things you can do to delay, or at least reduce, your risk of developing dementia. A recent study, however, found that there is one promising solution to delaying the onset of dementia: staying socially engaged. 

Late-life Social Activity Could Delay Dementia Onset By Five Years

The recent study of conversation was published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of Alzheimer’s Association. It highlighted how frequent social interactions could help preserve cognitive health into old age. The study involved about 2,000 older adults for a period of nearly six to seven years. Researchers tracked their social engagement and cognitive status. 

The results indicated that those who were the most socially active delayed the onset of dementia by five years compared to those with minimal social interactions. Study authors also observed a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment, which is an early stage of memory decline. More specifically, study authors found that the participants who were more socially engaged had: 

• A 38% lower risk of developing dementia
• A 21% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment

These findings highlight the role that social connections play in maintaining brain health. More importantly, social connections may reduce the national burden of cognitive decline. 

How Does Socializing Benefit The Brain?

According to study authors, the mechanisms behind this brain boost are not fully understood yet. At the moment, researchers put forth the following theories:

• Stress reduction: Having positive social interactions on a regular basis can help reduce chronic stress, which can harm the brain. Lowering your stress levels can help protect the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain that is essential for memory.
• Cognitive stimulation: Social interaction not only provides mental challenges, but also diverse conversations that can promote new neural connections, a process called neurogenesis. This is integral to delaying the onset of dementia, considering that altered neurogenesis has been identified in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. 
• Physical activity: More often than not, social interactions are typically coupled with some sort of movement. You may have a lunch date, which involves sitting, but you can take a walk or engage in a yoga class with a friend as well. Incorporating more movement into your social interactions can help protect against cognitive decline. 
• Hormonal balance: According to research, social engagement helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This helps control stress responses and can influence overall brain health. 

What Can You Do?

If you want to stay socially engaged as you age, you don’t have to make tremendous alterations to your life. A few simple ideas can help foster new social connections, and a few examples are:

• Volunteer: Giving back to the community is a great way to meet new people in your community. Not only that, but it provides a sense of purpose!
• Keep learning: Perhaps there is something you want to learn, and your age shouldn’t stop you from doing that. Enroll in a course or attend a workshop that encourages learning and interaction. 
• Join a club: This could be a book club, gardening group, or local ceramics class. These classes  harbor people with shared interests, which usually ignite conversations and connections. 
• Stay physically active: It’s no secret that exercise offers brain-boosting benefits. Rather than just working out by yourself, though, health experts encourage you to take fitness classes or join a physically active group to get the social and physical benefits.

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Do you typically find yourself mindless scrolling through Instagram reels? Are you glued to your television binge-watching different shows and movies on a nightly basis? If you find that chunks of time are slipping away because of your screen addiction, you are not alone. Roughly 61% of people admit that they are addicted to digital screens and the internet. Worse than that, the constant connection to screens can take a toll on your mental health and overall quality of life. 

That’s where a digital detox comes into play. A digital detox can help relieve anxiety, improve self-esteem, and encourage more restful sleep. According to one survey, about one-fifth of people cited technology as a source of stress. About 43% of respondents checked their emails, messages, and social media constantly. Another study found that about 25% of smartphone owners between the ages of 18 and 44 don’t remember the last time their phone wasn’t within arm’s reach. 

Health experts note that heavy smartphone use can cause alterations in the brain. Every scroll, email check, or text message ping sends a dopamine rush to the same area of the brain that responds to addictive substances. If you feel like that describes you, a digital detox may be the right choice. Continue reading to learn how to do one.

Turn Off Your Push Notifications

Seeing constant updates about what is happening in the world can inform you of what is happening at all times. It can also be distracting, especially if you allow yourself to get interrupted throughout the day. You’re never truly focused if you are constantly distracted by notifications. One easy fix is to turn off as many notifications as you can live without. Consider muting group messages between friends that do not contain vital information, or turn off social media notifications. 

Put Away Your Phone During Mealtime

How often do you go out to eat and see people with gleaming smartphone lights directed back at their faces? According to research, having your phone on the table can reduce the quality of interactions, even if you don’t check it. What happens is that your brain is essentially waiting for the phone to light up, meaning you are not fully present in the conversation. The more energy you direct toward your device, the less energy you have to give to whoever is with you. 

Make Your Bedroom A Tech-Free Zone

Do you feel naked without your device in hand or next to you at all times? If you do, you need a digital detox. Now, most people use their phone as an alarm clock, so keeping it out of the bedroom may be an impossible feat. That said, if you take your phone to bed, it’s easy to start scrolling as soon as your head hits the pillow. Leave your phone on your nightstand, or in the drawer of your nightstand and invest in a simple alarm clock to avoid temptation. Screens also emit blue light, which can trick your brain into staying awake because it thinks that it’s daytime. 

Limit Yourself To One Screen At A Time

How often do you watch something and end up on your phone about 10 minutes or so into whatever you’re watching? Multitasking is not a bad thing, but multi-screening is. Make a habit of only looking at one screen at a time in order to help improve concentration. Plus, focusing on a movie with the family can lead to more enjoyment, which you may not otherwise experience if you checked Facebook 12 times while watching the movie. 

Convert To Black And White

We are not saying that you should revert back to the era before color television. What we are saying, though, is that smartphones are very alluring because of the vibrant colors and clarity. Many smartphones allow you to change the settings, allowing the phone to appear in grayscale. Removing vibrant colors may make your phone less pleasurable, which causes you to reduce overall screen time. 

Spring Clean Your Social Media Accounts

Research shows that the more time you spend on social media, the likelier you are to feel worse about yourself. In fact, one study found that the more time participants spent on Facebook, the poorer their mental health outcomes were. That isn’t surprising when you consider the fact that people only see a highly curated version of peoples’ and celebrities’ lives. Don’t allow social media to suck you into its vortex! You can spring clean your social media accounts by blocking, muting, unfollowing, or deleting people or things that do not bring joy or happiness into your life. You can use social media to inspire positivity!

It’s impossible to escape technology these days, but you can do things to limit your screen time. If you find yourself checking emails, texts, and social media too frequently, consider doing a digital detox. It may just help you improve sleep, posture, and self-esteem.

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Who is ready to do away with the classic holiday side dishes? Before we offend anyone, you do not have to get rid of grandma’s recipes or anything like that. Instead, maybe you can include different sides at your holiday meals or parties this year. Too often do vegetables take a back seat at the holiday spread. If you see veggies on the table, they are most likely stripped of nutrients and prepared in an unhealthy way. This recipe departs from a dish of boring steamed carrots and pivots to change peoples’ minds about carrots. They will be an instant classic at your table!

It is very easy to roast vegetables that have a lot of flavor. The tricky part of roasting vegetables is cooking them evenly. The easiest way to get an even cook is to cut them uniformly. Thicker pieces will obviously take a lot longer to cook than thinner pieces. For this carrot recipe, you cook the carrots whole after peeling them. If the carrots you purchase are thick, feel free to cut them in even sticks to ensure an even roast. By the time the carrots are done, you want them to be fork-tender and caramelized, but not mushy. That is why the roasting time depends on the size of the carrots.

Now, tarragon is an underutilized herb in most households, but a lot of people don’t know how to use it. You only see fresh tarragon in teh spring and summer, but you can purchase dried tarragon any time of year. Tarragon has a subtle taste and is popular for flavoring, its medicinal properties, and for its fragrance. It pairs well with asparagus and carrots and goes great in soups and stocks. It is also rich in manganese, which is an essential nutrient that reduces oxidative stress in the body and plays several roles relating to metabolism, growth, and brain health.

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Whether you are a weekend warrior or an everyday gym rat, incorporating exercise into your weekly routine invites a long list of health benefits. According to a recent study, one or two longer exercise sessions on the weekends may be as beneficial for brain health as working out more frequently throughout the week. 

For the study, the researchers looked at survey data collected from roughly 10,000 people in Mexico City. The participants began the survey when they were an average age of 51 and cognitively healthy. During the 16-year follow-up period, nearly 2,400 participants developed mild dementia. Compared to participants who did not exercise at all, the weekend warriors who logged one to two hours of exercise per week were 13% less likely to develop dementia. 

Moderate To Vigorous Exercise Has The Biggest Impact

Researchers noted that the total duration of physical activity matters more than the pattern for disease risk, which includes cognitive decline. Health experts advise that 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week is a good rule of thumb. Ideally, you sustain the same effort of moderate intensity throughout the entire workout. That means that you are able to complete sentences during the workout, but you may be just out of breath so that you do not have the effort to sing. 

The researchers did not look directly at exercise intensity or focus on the benefits of exercising for 150 minutes per week. Additionally, the study did not aim to prove whether weekend warrior workouts directly benefit brain health. With that information in mind, the study authors still concluded that middle-aged people could reduce their dementia risk by 13% by simply exercising at least once or twice per week. A total sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of health problems, including those related to cognition. 

Concentrated Exercise Promotes Brain Health

One limitation of this study was that it relied on the participants to accurately recall and report their exercise habits. The study authors did not objectively measure how often participants worked out, nor did they measure the intensity of workout sessions. It makes sense, though, that the weekend warrior workouts may contribute to long-term brain health. Additional benefits of weekend workouts include improving cardiovascular fitness, managing blood sugar, building lean muscle, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Now, there are still some researchers who warn that the weekend warrior workout pattern may not prevent cognitive decline. Concentrated activity, however, had associations with lower risk of cognitive impairment that were just as beneficial as those observed with regular activity. More research is necessary on this topic, but this study shows promise and reaffirms the fact that exercise promotes a healthy brain and body.

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