By Eleftheria Kodosaki, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Keith Morris, Cardiff Metropolitan University We’re often told to eat more fruits and vegetables – and for good reason. Many of the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables are responsible for numerous health benefits, in particular preventing a…
According to a recent analysis of data from two major eye disease studies, adherence to the Mediterranean diet – high in vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil – correlates with higher cognitive function. Dietary factors also seem to play a role in slowing age-related…
By Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, University of Cambridge; Christelle Langley, University of Cambridge, and Muzaffer Kaser, University of Cambridge A bit of stress is a normal part of our daily lives, which can even be good for us. Overcoming stressful events can make us more resilient….
A diet including daily avocado consumption improves the ability to focus attention in adults whose measurements of height and weight are categorized as overweight or obese, a new randomized control trial found. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign conducted the 12-week study, published…
A study using neuroimaging led by Stony Brook University professor and lead author Lilianne R. Mujica-Parodi, PhD, and published in PNAS, reveals that neurobiological changes associated with aging can be seen at a much younger age than would be expected, in the late 40s. However,…
By Arjun Walia The Facts: A new study recently published by German researchers from Heidelberg University show differences in brain structure between people with ‘smartphone addition’ compared to people without it. Reflect On: Is your child constantly on their smartphone? Are they addicted? Children entering…
A new study conducted at IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca shows that the subjective feeling of well-being experienced by many people with the practice of meditation is correlated with specific changes in the brain. The research, which appeared in Brain and Cognition, examined the…
By Elias Marat Could it be that our Western-style diet laden with saturated fats, added sugars, and processed grains could actually impair our brain functions while weighing us down with a tendency to continuously over-indulge? According to researchers, this is very much the case. Gluttonous…
Individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) because of family history or genetic predisposition who engaged in six months of aerobic exercise training improved their brain glucose metabolism and higher-order thinking abilities (e.g., planning and mental flexibility) called executive function; these improvements occurred in conjunction…
Eating walnuts mayhelp slow cognitive decline in at-risk groups of the elderly population, according to a study conducted by researchers in California and Spain. The Walnuts and Healthy Aging Study, published this month in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that walnut consumption by…
By Alanna Ketler The Facts: Scientists have determined that America’s most commonly used cooking oil may have negative effects on neurological processes in the brain. Reflect On: Our health is our greatest wealth, how cautious are you in regards to the foods you are consuming…
By John Vibes According to a study published by the American Society for Horticultural Science in December of 2019, having plants around your home or office could reduce your stress levels. In the study, 63 office workers at an electric company in Japan were monitored…
By Derrick Broze Fluoride exposure may be associated with changes in the pineal gland which can affect sleep cycle regulation among older adolescents, according to new research from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Another study published in the journal Environment International found…
Adverse outcomes from childhood exposures to lead and mercury are on the decline in the United States, likely due to decades of restrictions on the use of heavy metals, a new study finds. Despite decreasing levels, exposure to these and other toxic chemicals, especially flame…
A common bacteria that boosts digestive health can slow – and even reverse – build-up of a protein associated with Parkinson’s, new research suggests. Building on previous research linking brain function to gut bacteria, this study in a Parkinson’s model of roundworms, identified a probiotic…
The idea of food addiction is a very controversial topic among scientists. Researchers from Aarhus University have delved into this topic and examined what happens in the brains of pigs when they drink sugar water. The conclusion is clear: sugar influences brain reward circuitry in…
By Alanna Ketler The Facts: There have been many therapeutic benefits of psychedelic substances discovered over the past decade for using them potentially as a medicinal tool. Reflect On: Considering how promising a lot of this research is, should the laws be lifted in order…
By Jennifer Giustra-Kozek, LPC, NBCC The Facts: Multiple studies have outlined the potential benefits one can receive through the use of essential oils. The study presented in this paper shows it can have positive effects on the human brain. Reflect On: If we want to…
An Italian study, conducted on twenty-three thousand people and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, shows that regular consumption of this spice is linked to a reduction of death risk for cardiac and cerebrovascular causes Chili pepper is a common guest…
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Scientists have known for decades that aerobic exercise strengthens the brain and contributes to the growth of new neurons, but few studies have examined how yoga affects the brain. A review of the science finds evidence that yoga enhances many of the…
