Exercise that Frontal Lobe! at Her Active Life

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Exercise that Frontal Lobe!

Posted June 14, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Caroline Shannon

Section: Her Health, Her Motivation, Books, Her Nutrition

ENTER IMAGE NAME BETWEEN QUOTES - USE ENGLISH NOT FILE NAMING STRUCTURE Pick up any health magazine, and the main issue of concern seems to be, “Getting Those Abs!” or “Losing Weight in Two Days!”

But if you’ve had it already with focusing on whatchya got on the outside, then here is something new to consider: Doctors say your brain needs a bit of a fitness shape-up every once in a while, too.

And, according to the May issue of Prevention magazine, the good news is that it only takes a few minor adjustments to keep your noggin’ sharp and help you live healthy.

*Do like Popeye and eat your greens. People who eat their veggies—just three servings a day—had a 40 percent slower rate of cognitive deterioration over six years than those who did not eat their greens, according to a study from Rush University. Researchers have found that produce lovers have brain power that is equal to someone five year younger! The moral? Eat your broccoli (and carrots, too).

*Pay attention, please! Turn off the television and play a game that will take your brain for a jog. Try a crossword or Sudoku puzzle, or check out Prevention’s site for mind-boosting games.

*Test your hearing. Research has shown that people with hearing loss may spend so much time trying to interpret what is being said that they cannot retain the information.

*Keep your BMI below 25. Memory tests have shown people with a healthy BMI of 20 remembered an average of nine out of 16 words. However, those with a BMI of 30—the verge of obesity—remembered just seven words. It may not sound like anything major, but doctors say it can have a big effect on your memory.

*Swim with the fishies. Older people who eat any type of fish at least once a week do significantly better on mental tests than those who ignore the wonders of the sea, according to a Norwegian study. The verdict is still undecided as to whether it’s the long-touted omega-3 fatty acids or another fishy component that recharges the brain. But, either way, the food of the sea is good for ya, so doctors recommend eating at two weekly fish dishes.

*Check your blood sugar. And take a 30-minute walk. Both activities will keep blood sugar in check, a factor that, when elevated, has been shown to put women at an increased risk for mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Your fasting blood sugar level should be under 100 mg/dl, according to the American Diabetic Association.

So, put on your fitness garb and get going—not only will you be keeping your heart pumping, but you will be giving your brain a tune-up, too!