Just a Little Exercise Keeps Your Brain from Shrinking

A recently published report from the long running Framingham Heart Study, suggests that even a little bit of exercise will keep your brain from shrinking.

How little? 

It is estimated that 1 hour of light exercise a week, would avoid 1.1 years of normal brain shrinkage (.22% volume). 

“We observed that people who are doing just a little bit more activity, even light-intensity activity, have larger brains than those doing very little,” said lead author Nicole Spartano, PhD.

>> Original Article Here

Pick Healthy Condiments!

As we are all attempting to eat healthier foods and grilling or baking our chicken, fish, or meat... a common question many of us have is how to flavor the food. A pinch of salt, pepper, and spices is the safest and most healthy way, but many of us love ketchup, mustard, or other sauces.

Even "fat-free" sauces can be high in sugar. And because fat actually lowers the glycemic index of a meal (the likelihood it will be stored as fat), they may not be the best choice.

I found a great article on HealthLine that picks the top 20 most healthy condiments - read on, and enjoy!

"20 Healthy Condiments" - HealthLine.com

A Bad Diet Could be Worse than Smoking!

Royers, Round Top Texas

In a new study published by the Lancet looking at 195 different countries, they found that 11 million people die each year, at least in part due to certain foods, or lack of nutritious foods.

From the Washington Post article, "Lead author Ashkan Afshin, an epidemiologist at the University of Washington, said the researchers estimated that, overall, poor diets are responsible for more deaths around the world than any other risk factor, including cigarette smoking"

The study estimated that globally: 

• 3 million deaths were due to excessive sodium
• 3 million deaths were due to lack of adequate whole grains
• 2 million deaths were due to lack of adequate fruit

What about the "Mediterranean Diet"?   That diet is known for being high in heart-healthy fats and fiber... and scored the best with the researchers.  This diet was defined as a high intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils - like olive oil.

>> Read the original article in the Washington Post here.