Live Better Longer
Contributed by: Dr Joe Kosterich
Here is some interesting information to keep that cool old guy body in good mental and physical shape. . An analysis from Oxford University published in The Lancet showed a direct correlation between body mass index (BMI) and longevity.
The researchers followed nearly one million people in The USA and Europe for between 10 and 15 years and found that the greater the BMI, the shorter the life expectancy. Those with a BMI of 30-35 died 3 years earlier than otherwise expected. Those with a BMI over 40 “lost” 10 years off their expected life span. The main reasons for this were heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease.
These studies always rely on statistics and methodologies can always be questioned. However even if you halve the figures it is still significant. The “benefits” of pharmaceutical agents are studied and promoted intensively less research is done on vitamins and other natural products like spices and herbs. Part of the reason for this is that there can be no patent applied to something found in nature.
Yet there are many health benefits from naturally occurring substances particularly plants. Curcumin, the component which gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour has been shown to have an anti inflammatory effect in the body. It reduces the production of and activity of some enzymes involved in inflammation.
The likelihood of getting Alzheimer’s disease can be reduced by 40% according to research from the University of Illinois, by simply eating “brain food”. This means foods with antioxidants and colour such as blueberries, red grapes and the spice turmeric. These foods contain antioxidants like vitamin C and E and also folic acid. Exercise both physical and mental was also important.
We know that many chronic diseases including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and some cancers are the end result of slow inflammation. New research is going to be done looking at the use of turmeric to prevent Alzheimer disease.
You don’t need to wait for the results .Colour in the diet is really important Fruit vegetables herbs and spices add colour and variety to our diets. Often the components which provide the colour are the active component that helps our bodies. In addition to this herbs and spices add flavour to food.
The ancients actually knew more about this than our modern scientists
Living longer and keeping your mental facilities going is as simple as putting the rights sorts of fuels into your body and keeping yourself active.
Dr Joe is a Doctor who actually talks about health and a cool old guy who lives in Australia
You can find more health info at his website www.drjoe.net.au