Food That Fights Alzheimers Disease (AD)

Certain foods are natural brain builders, and come can even help fight off the plaque damage associated with Alzheimers (AD).

Every major disease that kills people in this country has an oxidative stress component, says Dr. Joseph of Tufts University. For him and other researchers interested in preserving the brain’s ability to function, oxidative stress is seen as the natural enemy. And this is especially true with Alzheimers (AD).

You are probably already familiar with the importance of some antioxidants like vitamins C and E.  But more recently other antioxidants have come into the limelight. Many are natural chemicals (Flavonoids) that plants have evolved to protect themselves from disease. Flavonoids include the anthocyanins found in brightly colored fruits, and anthoxanthins found in green tea and soybeans.

It seems the most colorful fruits and veggies are the most potent in anthocyanins  — including blueberries, blackberries and cranberries. And their antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory actions. 

Here’s great news: Blueberries actually reverse some of the effects of aging on the brain — and boost short-term memory and spatial learning. People who eat a cup of blueberries a day perform well on tests of motor skills. And purple grape juice is also rich in flavonoids, and boosts mental performance.

And then there is curcumin — the active component of turmeric. This has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and helps remove the harmful metal buildup of metal associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Recent lab tests suggest that it directly targets the brain plaques linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

This may help explain why India, where turmeric commonly tints curry dishes, has a particularly low rate of Alzheimer’s (AD).

Posted by Julie Rosset, MA
Editor of land On Your Feet ezine

Fake Your Way to Happiness

 

Can you steer your life toward happiness by simply counting your blessings? Maybe. One recent researcher found that people who pause each day to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives (for example: their health, friends, family, education, freedom) are more likely to get happy and experience heightened well-being.

Or if you’re feeling a little down – maybe you can fake your way and get happy too! You may have more control over your mood than you think. According to other new research, people who choose to act more outgoing, happy or assertive actually improve their outlook on life.

In three complementary studies, William Fleeson and colleagues tracked the moods of more than 100 students. In the first study, 46 students kept diaries for approximately two weeks. They reported feeling happy and more positive when they acted outgoing. When acting shy and reserved, their feelings were just the opposite.

The second study looked at long-term effects of acting like an extrovert. Once again, the 10-week study revealed that the 57 students in this portion of the study were more likely to be happy when they acted more extroverted.

In the final study, 47 students were told to act either like an extrovert or introvert during a discussion group. Participants who were energetic and assertive had more fun, were happy, and enjoyed the group — while the passive and shy ones were unhappy in the situation.

WHY Your Pet Really IS Your Best Friend

Is Your Pet Your Best Friend?

If you feel like your pet dog or cat is your best friend, you might be right.

In fact, science now agrees with you. Here’s the proof your pet truly IS your best friend:

Proof Your Pet Really IS Your Best Friend

If you love animals you already know it’s impossible to be in a bad mood when your loving pet dog looks at you with those soft brown eyes, or when your sweet pet cat rubs up against your leg.

Research agrees about the important mood-enhancing benefits of having a pet:  A recent study of New York stockbrokers found that those who adopted a pet dog or cat soon had lower blood pressure and heart rates than a group of stockbrokers who failed to get a pet.

When thinking of ways to reduce stress, talking to a good friend often comes to mind. But there’s strong evidence that having a furry pet best friend can reduce the stress in your life even more.

Plus your pet will always be there for you in ways that other people can’t. Recent research shows that, when doing something stressful, people experienced far less stress when their pets were with them than when a supportive friend or a close mate was present.

The unconditional love and companionship offered by pets is also an excellent antidote to loneliness. Even a short visit by someone else’s pet can be beneficial. Research shows that nursing home residents feel less lonely after a visit by a dog or cat than when they spent time with other people.

So, should you get a pet?

There’s also strong pratical evidence that single children with pets have better social skills that kids without pets. But you probably already know that.

“You Can BECOME EXCEPTIONAL: 10 Pages That Can Change Your Life”
By Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler

posted by Jill Ammon-Wexler
Amazing Success

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