A diet high in carbohydrates and sugar may raise the risk for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly, whereas a diet high in fat and protein may reduce this risk. An "optimal balance" in the proportions of daily calories derived from carbohydrates, fat, and protein may help maintain neuronal integrity and optimal cognitive function in the elderly, according to a study in Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. The high-carbohydrate intake affects how glucose and insulin function in the brain. Some experts describe mild cognitive impairment as having diabetes in the brain because the sugar affects your brain in a way that is not good if you have too much of it, so with carbohydrate, the authors think that's what could be happening. Whereas high intake of fruits, vegetables, a Mediterranean-style diet, and several micronutrients, including vitamins B, C, E, have been found to have beneficial effects.
Steve: Optimal? Where you heard that word before?
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
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