Diet & Exercise for a Healthy Brain
August 19th 2010 23:00
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HOUSTON—Consumers can take steps to keep their brains healthy and active, according to John H. Byrne, Ph.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School. First, he noted physical exercise is not only good for the muscles and cardiovascular system, but also benefits brain function. He said: “There is a lot of recent evidence demonstrating that exercise itself promotes neurogenesis—the generation of new nerve cells in the brain. It had long been believed that once you lose nerve cells, they are gone for good and the brain cannot regenerate them, but exercise appears to inspire the brain’s ability to generate nerve cells."
Next, he suggested consumers take in more nutrients that can support neurological function. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, as found in oily fish are one choice; other foods rich in healthy antioxidants such as blueberries, red wine, green tea and dark chocolate can also bolster brain health. He also encouraged shoppers to maintain a healthy weight, as obesity has been linked to higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and other related conditions.
Finally, Byrne related that people who are intellectually active have a lower occurrence of Alzheimer’s. Exercising brain cells through reading or puzzles, as well as engaging in social activities, can stimulate the brain.
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