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Unlock the Secret to Preserving Memory: The Multivitamin Connection

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Recent scientific studies suggest that regular intake of multivitamins might help in preserving memory as we age. Based on investigations involving more than 5,000 participants, a correlation was observed between daily multivitamin usage and a reduced rate of cognitive aging. “Compared to a placebo, taking a daily multivitamin slowed cognitive aging by about two years,” stated Dr. Chirag Vyas, a researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital.

These research studies form part of the broader COSMOS trial, which aims to ascertain the potential of multivitamins and a cocoa extract supplement in preventing heart disease and cancer. The focus supplement was Centrum Silver, and the studying method ranged from in-person cognitive evaluations to online tests.

It is essential to note that Pfizer (the producer of Centrum Silver) provided the multivitamins for the study, and Mars Inc. partially funded the COSMOS trial. However, both companies had no influence over the design of the trials.

Dr. Vyas, who led the third study, explained the recurring finding across the three studies: Daily multivitamin consumption had a slight beneficial effect on preventing typical memory loss associated with aging.

In scrutinizing the three studies, scientists concluded that consistent multivitamin intake seemed to improve global cognition (such as attention, reasoning, and planning) and memory recall in healthy older adults. However, the exact vitamins and minerals responsible for these potential cognitive benefits remain unknown, thus needing more comprehensive research.

Dr. Vyas said, “Future studies are necessary to identify the specific micronutrients contributing most to the cognitive benefits.” He also called for more research including racially and ethnically diverse subjects, as most of the previous participants were white.

As we age, the membranes of our brain cells (neurons) gradually deteriorate. According to Dr. Vyas, vitamins could potentially provide a shield against some of this deterioration.

However, Dr. Richard Caselli, a professor emeritus of neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, cautions against over-expectations based on the duration of these studies. “The amount of cognitive change that happens over the course of three years in healthy individuals who don’t have Alzheimer’s is pretty minimal,” he clarified.

In view of the study findings, Dr. Caselli sees no harm in recommending daily multivitamins to older patients, but he remains skeptical about their definitive impact on cognitive function.

Dr. Zaldy Tan, a geriatric medicine physician at the Cedars Sinai Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders in Los Angeles, suggested that individuals with vitamin-deficient diets might experience more noticeable benefits from multivitamin intake. Yet, it remains challenging to confirm if these improvements are directly attributable to the multivitamins or other factors.

Dr. Tan mentioned that deficiencies in vitamins A, B12, and E have been associated with cognitive health deterioration, although existing evidence is not exhaustive.

Dr. Caselli emphasized the significance of maintaining overall wellbeing to safeguard against cognitive decline. “A general rule of thumb is that everything that is bad for your body is bad for your brain and everything that is good for your body is good for your brain,” he advised.

As part of the same advice, he suggested people keep engaged socially and maintain mental and physical activity as they age. He recommended multivitamin supplements for those concerned about their dietary intake of essential vitamins and minerals. However, he stressed that while supplemental multivitamins could benefit individuals, they might not bring substantial advantage to those who already maintain healthy diets.

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Watch Your Hair Grow Back Before Your Very Eyes

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Users of this new hair growth nutrient report they can feel it working from the first contact.

And it works so fast many believe they can actually watch their hair grow back.

See what all the fuss is about here >>

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17-Second Neuropathy Solution

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In Partnership with TurmeriCBD

Nerve pain in your feet keeping you up?

Have you tried everything?

Even thought about surgery?

It’s time you got some relief.

A Harvard-trained doctor has an unusual solution. 

Just do this right before bed. 

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Unlock Better Brain Health with This Dietitian-Recommended Superfood

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Though our brains might occupy only 2% of our body mass, they demand a lot of energy to function, accounting for about 20% of our calorific intake. This energy demand punctuates our everyday life – anyone who has ever attempted a mentally taxing task on an empty stomach can attest to that.

A diet rich in brain-nourishing foods is a powerful tool to maintain cognitive function and ward off diseases like dementia. Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, affects nearly 6 million Americans and this number is predicted to surge to 14 million by 2060 due to an aging demographic. Cognitive decline, characterized by memory impairment, compromised decision-making, and hampered learning, is directly tied to neuron aging and a general slowdown in brain function.

“Eating just one seafood meal per week has been linked with a lowered risk of both Alzheimer’s and dementia.” This can be attributed to the fact our brains are primarily composed of omega-3 fatty acids known as EPA and DHA. Consuming foods rich in these fats can support brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids, owing to their anti-inflammatory effects, the capacity to generate new neurons, and the ability to clear Alzheimer’s-related plaques, offer significant neural protection.

The best sources of EPA and DHA include wild Alaskan salmon, sablefish, and halibut. Not only are these seafood varieties sustainably caught, but they also possess lower contaminants compared to farm-raised seafood.

The micronutrient choline also plays a pivotal role in brain health, influencing cognition, mood, and more. Higher choline intake may bolster brain function and potentially reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. The humble egg is one of the richest dietary sources of choline, with one large egg providing about a quarter of the daily requirement for men and 35% for women.

“According to the American Heart Association, eggs can be included as part of a heart-smart diet for healthy adults.” Remember to consume the whole egg to get the full health benefits, as choline, along with nearly half of an egg’s protein content and a variety of other vitamins and minerals, is contained in the yolk.

Research suggests that eating walnuts may improve cognitive function and memory in groups at high risk for age-related cognitive impairment. It also indicates a lowered risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Also, walnuts prove beneficial for heart health and decrease the risk of other conditions like cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, which can increase the risk of dementia.

Berries, loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols, offer a range of health benefits. “Research has found that eating berries has a protective effect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.” Strawberries and blueberries stand out for their anti-inflammatory properties. Trials conducted on older adults aged 60 to 75 demonstrated improved memory and learning after consuming the equivalent of 2 cups of strawberries daily for 90 days.

Prunes, renowned for promoting gut health and bone strength, also benefit the brain. Rich in potassium and a source of vitamin B6 and copper, prunes contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Studies highlight prunes’ anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and memory-boosting properties, probably attributable to a high concentration of anthocyanin, a blue plant pigment.

Citrus fruits can also contribute to brain health. The peel of a small citrus fruit from Okinawa, Japan called shikuwasa lime (also known as citrus depressa) is rich in a plant compound called nobiletin. “Nobiletin has been found to protect nerve cells and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.” It is seen as a promising potential treatment for Alzheimer’s. Good news is that this compound is also present in mandarins, oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits.

Cocoa beans, with their impressive flavanol content, combat inflammation and can increase blood flow to the brain. Opting for dark chocolate over milk chocolate ensures a higher intake of these protective polyphenols. Extra virgin olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, is laden with polyphenols and vitamin E. Research conducted at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health indicated that consistent consumption of more than half a tablespoon of EVOO daily corresponds to a 28% reduced risk of dying from dementia.

In addition to diet, other practices can enhance brain health. Dr. Andrew Budson, author of “Why We Forget and How to Remember Better,” suggests focusing your attention on what you want to remember, organizing memory-related information methodically, understanding what you need to remember in depth and relating new learnings to pre-existing knowledge or experiences.

Dropping certain habits may also help strengthen memory. These include breaking bad habits right away, paying attention to your surroundings and activities, engaging in regular aerobic exercise, reducing sedentary behavior and limiting TV viewing, and following a balanced Mediterranean-style diet.

Dr. Budson does not recommend any specific supplements for brain health, although he suggests checking vitamin D and B12 levels every decade after the age of 40, as both vitamins are crucial for proper memory function. To keep your brain healthy, focus on creating a well-rounded diet packed with the foods mentioned here.

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