There are many things that change as we age. While it’s easier to notice the external signs (hello, gravity!), its the internal symptoms that can really betray us. And sometimes we won’t even notice.
As we age, our diets become more and more important. It’s especially important to integrate greens. You may have hated it growing up, but getting to know the benefits may help you love them a little more.
Greens and Cognitive Decline
The University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health recently stated that 1 in 5 older adults experiences mild cognitive impairment.
While these people don’t experience cognitive problems linked to dementia or disorientation, routine tasks such has meal prep and staying on top of their bills can become a bit more challenging. People with mild cognitive impairment are more forgetful than normal for their age, but they don’t experience other cognitive problems associated with dementia, such as disorientation or confusion about routine activities. They are generally able to live independently but may be less active socially.
A study published by the journal Neurology found that green veggies have a positive effect on our brain (go figure). In fact, they found that one serving of greens a day could help slow cognitive decline due to aging for older people. What does this mean? If you ate one serving of greens every day, at age 60, your brain could be functioning as if you were at a younger age compared to your same-aged peers.
The researchers reached this conclusion after studying 960 participants, aged 59-99. The participants were split into 2 groups: Group A consumed one veggie serving every day and Group B did not consume veggies. Before the 5-year analysis began, Group A tested at a higher cognitive level.
At the end of the five years, both groups were given a cognitive performance test, which showed that Group A’s brains were functioning as if they were younger than Group B. The memory of Group A’s participants only declined half as much compared to Group B. The result stood the same even after the researchers factored in outside sources, such as education, exercise and alcohol consumption.
Part of this could be due to specific nutrients found in greens, such as vitamin E, folic acid, and vitamin K1. These nutrients can help protect the brain against inflammation and toxic proteins, such as beta-amyloid.
Alkalizing Power
Body level pH has stirred quite the conversation in the health community. For those who may not know, pH is the balance (based on a scale of 0 to 14) of acidic and alkaline solutions, describing how many hydrogen ions or hydroxyl ions are present. Your body’s pH can be measured by a blood or urine test and, ideally, it should normally be slightly alkaline; however, other parts of your body (like your stomach) might be more acidic in order to help with body processes.
A preliminary literature review suggests that pH plays a role in protecting your body from chronic diseases, and helping your cells, cell membranes and overall body function. In fact, one study connected a more alkaline diet with preservation of muscle tissue due to a decreased acid load.
Nutritionists and naturopaths consider greens to be one of the best ways to alkalize the body. Greens are said to neutralize acid in your blood, helping to alkalize.
Some of the greens considered to be alkalizers include:
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- asparagus
- celery
- spinach
- kale
The Power of Greens
As green research continues to expand, it is important to keep your health in mind. No matter what, there’s no harm in paying closer attention to what you eat.
And if you’re looking for a little help in balancing alkalinity, check out our Alkalizing Pack. The pack is comprised of alkalizing greens and fulvic acid, with other benefits like digestive and electrolyte aid.
- Aloe Digest: Aloe vera’s properties help balance pH and normalize acid. Plus, it supports digestion.
- Ionic Elements: Fulvic acid helps and electrolytes help a balance pH levels and electrolyte ion balance. Plus, it supports immune function.
- Green Spectrum: Green’s alkalinity help keep pH and oxygen levels balanced. Plus, it’s a good source of vegetable nutrients.
Keep getting your daily dose of greens!
Read more:
http://n.neurology.org/content/early/2017/12/20/WNL.0000000000004815
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195546/
