A 15-Year Study Following More Than 13,000 Adults Found One Common Thread That Could Reduce the Risk of Dementia
A sense of purpose in life is a key part of why blue zones residents around the world live longer. In Okinawa, Japan, the concept of activities and relationships that make life worth living is called “ikigai,” for example, while centenarians in Nicoya, Costa Rica know it as “plan de vida.” Now, a recent study found that having a clear sense of life purpose may improve quality of life as we age by reducing the risk of dementia. For the study, published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, researchers at the University of California, Davis, followed more than 13,000…
How Blue Zones Centenarians Have Embraced This Nutrient-Dense Ingredient in Their Cooking
Americans have recently started to embrace the health benefits of mushrooms, though often in powder or supplement form. The health and wellness market grows more saturated every day with ads for the likes of reishi lattes, lion’s mane energy shots, and nootropic blends. But for people living in blue zones, mushrooms – in their whole form – have been an integral part of healthy diets for centuries. Recent studies have confirmed mushrooms’ status as a nutritional powerhouse with significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They can help decrease the risk of cancer, boost gut health and immunity, and protect brain health….
Consuming Processed Foods May Be Increasing Your Risk for Dementia, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cutting Your Lifespan Short
A recent study from the American Journal of Public Health found that a diet high in ultraprocessed foods like processed meats and pre-packaged snacks shows a significant increase in risk for developing dementia or cognitive impairment. The study, which included more than 5,300 adults over 50 and took into account other risk factors, noted that those who ate the highest amount of ultra-processed food every day had a 58% increased risk of developing dementia and a 46% increased risk for cognitive impairment compared to people who ate the lowest amount of daily ultra-processed food. Participants who consumed minimally processed…
Fitness and Opportunity Deserts: Where You Live Impacts Your Health and Longevity
Staying active is a key component to a long, happy life. With sedentary desk jobs, suburban sprawl, and long commutes, many Americans can struggle to get enough movement throughout the day. In many cases, our communities are not set up for us to be able to walk to school, the grocery store, work, or even to the park. If you live in an environment that naturally nudges you to move more or makes it easy for you to visit a local park or bike trail, you may be more likely to get active. Unfortunately, only 39% of Americans live…