Keep your memory intact: Eating over 2 teaspoons of peanuts daily can prevent dementia

10 grams of nuts a day can keep age-related mental disorders at bay.

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MELBOURNE: Eating more than 10 grams of nuts a day may improve thinking, reasoning and memory, and keep age-related mental disorders at bay, a study has found. The study by researchers from the University of South Australia was conducted on 4,822 Chinese adults aged over 55 years.

The study is the first to report an association between cognition and nut intake in older Chinese adults, providing important insights into increasing mental health issues, including dementia, faced by an ageing population.

"Population ageing is one of the most substantial challenges of the twenty-first century. Not only are people living longer, but as they age, they require additional health support which is placing unprecedented pressure on aged-care and health services," said Ming Li, lead researcher at University of South Australia.


Nuts

"By eating more than 10 grams (or two teaspoons) of nuts per day older people could improve their cognitive function by up to 60 per cent- compared to those not eating nuts -- effectively warding off what would normally be experienced as a natural two-year cognition decline," Li said.

The World Health Organization says that by 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older will outnumber children younger than five years old.

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The study analysed nine waves of China Health Nutrition Survey data collected over 22 years, finding that 17 per cent of participants were regular consumers of nuts (mostly peanuts).

Li said peanuts have specific anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects which can alleviate and reduce cognitive decline.

Nuts-seeds_ThinkstockPhotos

"Nuts are known to be high in healthy fats, protein and fibre with nutritional properties that can lower cholesterol and improve cognitive health," Li said.

The World Health Organization estimates that globally, the number of people living with dementia is at 47 million.
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By 2030, this is projected to rise to 75 million and by 2050, global dementia cases are estimated to almost triple. China has the largest population of people with dementia.

"As people age, they naturally experience changes to conceptual reasoning, memory, and processing speed. This is all part of the normal ageing process," Li said.
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We often tend to become less active due to the changes in weather. Following a hectic schedule, we are often deprived of 'me-time', as a result of which we resort to an unhealthy diet.

Good nutrition, plenty of water, and an active lifestyle are a few habits you must adopt this season, along with the following tips:
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Keeping your tummy full and nourished is very important. Start your mornings with muesli to be high on energy all day long!

Muesli is a healthy mix of rolled oats, wheat flakes and corn flakes in different flavours. It is rich in dietary fibre, protein, iron, and anti-oxidants.
Keeping your tummy full and nourished is very important. Start your mornings with muesli to be high on energy all day long! Muesli is a healthy mix of rolled oats, wheat flakes and corn flakes in di..
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Say no to sweet, carbonated drinks, and rather opt for a warm cup of green tea. Packed with powerful anti-oxidants and nutrients, green tea helps regulate blood sugar, improve brain function, and enhance metabolism.

This superdrink also helps in increasing the detoxification process in the body and aids weight loss.

Add a dash of honey, squeeze a lemon in your cup of green tea and make your day a tangy and zesty affair!
Say no to sweet, carbonated drinks, and rather opt for a warm cup of green tea. Packed with powerful anti-oxidants and nutrients, green tea helps regulate blood sugar, improve brain function, and enh..
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This blend of sugar, trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids is quite unlike any other sweetener on the planet. Honey is a great substitute for sugar, and helps in managing calories better while also adding many healthy nutrients in place of empty calories.

For a nutrition-filled, satisfying meal, dribble some multifloral honey over a bowl of muesli with skimmed milk.
This blend of sugar, trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids is quite unlike any other sweetener on the planet. Honey is a great substitute for sugar, and helps in managing calories better..
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An important habit is to keep yourself well-hydrated. If you find it hard to drink plain water, you can try adding lemon or fresh fruits to the water.

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You can also indulge in a bowl of oats. Rich in dietary fibre and protein, oats are a low-calorie food that will keep you feeling full for a longer period of time. They also manage cholesterol levels, maintain healthy body weight, and reduce the risk of blood sugar and diabetes.


(Inputs: Dolly Kumar, Founder and Director, GAIA via IANS)

You can also indulge in a bowl of oats. Rich in dietary fibre and protein, oats are a low-calorie food that will keep you feeling full for a longer period of time. They also manage cholesterol levels..
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