Carrots prevent senile dementia

Brightly colored vegetables contain substances that improve brain function in old age, according to experts from the University of Georgia. These substances are known as carotenoids, and zeaxanthin and lutein, which are part of this group, help improve the thinking process and vision of older people. Previously, experts did not know how carotenoids affect the human brain and vision, and researchers from Georgia decided to fill this gap in science. In their study, they used functional magnetic resonance imaging, with the help of which they assessed the brain activity of the experiment participants (from 65 to 86 years old). During the procedure, the participants had to remember phrases that they had learned earlier. After analyzing the tomogram readings, the scientists found that people in whose bodies there was a high level of lutein and zeaxanthin required less brain effort to complete the tasks.

The specialists determined the level of the compounds being studied in the blood and retina of the experiment participants.

Professor Lindberg, who participated in the study, noted that with age, the brain wears out, but our body is unique, and wear is compensated for by increasing the power of the brain, so participants in whose body there was a low level of zeaxanthin and lutein made more effort to remember and then recall the necessary phrases. According to scientists, in old age, the brain of older people uses more sections and power for memorization, but it is the compounds contained in bright vegetables and plants that help to correct the situation.

The experts plan to study the effectiveness and ability to improve cognitive function of a diet that includes a large number of foods high in carotenoids, as well as food supplements with these compounds.

In another study, scientists found that the work of our intestines affects the work of the brain, and yogurts with probiotics help improve brain activity. Scientists made such conclusions after a study in which women took part. The specialists divided all the participants into several groups, each of which ate a certain diet, which included yogurts with probiotics or dairy products, and one of the groups consumed their usual diet. After a certain time, the scientists analyzed the condition of the women and found that the women who ate yogurts with probiotics became healthier, their performance increased, and they also became calmer. In women who ate dairy products, the results were neutral, in the group where they did not change their usual diet, the condition of the women remained the same as before the experiment. According to scientists, the results of the study indicate that the work of the brain and the work of the intestines are connected, and a person's emotional state depends on digestion.

Probiotics are a group of bacteria that improve the functioning of the entire body, increase the body's defenses, prevent the development of certain infections, have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and skin, improve metabolism, and protect against toxins. They are found in chocolate, muesli, dairy products, and yogurts.

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