Healthy Bodies Healthy Brains Plantsvegetables are made up

Healthy Bodies = Healthy Brains

Plants/vegetables are made up of compounds that may be very beneficial to the brain. • In a recent study, f. MRI technology was used to gauge brain activity in a group of adults between 65 – 86 years to test their ability to recall newly taught words. • Individuals with higher levels of 2 specific compounds found in plants/veggies (lutein and zeaxanthin) had a significantly easier time with the task.

What does this mean? • "There's a natural deterioration process that occurs in the brain as people age, but the brain is great at compensating for that, " Lindbergh said. "One way it compensates is by calling on more brain power to get a job done so it can maintain the same level of cognitive performance. “ • People with higher levels of lutein & zexanthin required less brain power to perform cognitive tasks. • AKA eating plants/vegetables directly improves your brain function!

Aerobic activity offers greater preservation of brain volume, improves cognitive performance • Another study with adults who have mild cognitive impairments who exercised 4 X for 6 months experienced an increase in brain volume in many areas of the brain. • Using MRI, the study measured anatomical changes within various areas of the brain. • Participants in the aerobic exercise group showed statistically significant improvement in executive function after six months, whereas the stretching group/control group did not improve.

• AKA exercise directly affects/improves brain function!

References • http: //www. newsmedical. net/news/20161121/Study-findsplant-compounds-may-bolster-brain-activityin-older-adults. aspx • http: //www. newsmedical. net/news/20161130/Aerobic-activityoffers-greater-preservation-of-brain-volumeimproves-cognitive-performance. aspx