Healthy People

You are what you eat

February 22, 2012 at 12:59 pm

Yet more evidence is emerging that you really are a product of what you eat.

Two new studies published this week have underlined the importance of diet in preventing memory loss and dementia, and increasing longevity.

Research presented to the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology by the Mayo Clinic in the US found that high calorie intakes were associated with a higher risk of memory loss or mild cognitive impairment. One of the authors suggested that cutting calories and eating a healthy diet may be a simple way to prevent memory loss.

A second study found that the traditional Mediterranean diet of fruit and vegetables, fish, olive oil and moderate drinking can cut the risk of developing age-related brain disorders. Brain scans showed that people who ate the Mediterranean style diet had fewer lesions on the brain. The research by scientists at the University of Miami Miller was published in the Archives of Neurology.

But it’s not all about diet – there are many other ways that brain power can be boosted such as undertaking creative activities or even drinking tea. In addition previous research has shown that exercise may help protect the onset of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

But are these findings really a great surprise? Isn’t it obvious that our health is a product of what we eat, whether we smoke, drink or exercise and not just down to random bad luck? Of course, there are no guarantees that leading a healthy lifestyle can prevent dementia or prolong your life – but isn’t there enough research available to show that it will lessen the chances of it happening?

Shouldn’t we be taking some responsibility for our health for a change, instead of saying we’ve got to die of something? It’s not inevitable that you will develop dementia, heart disease or cancer and there is now evidence that some of your future health may be down to how you live your life now − so isn’t it worth a shot?

It’s certainly food for thought.

Would you change what you eat today if you thought it would increase your chances of living a healthy old age or do you believe it’s all down to the luck of the draw? Why not let us know your views by posting below.