Brain Fuel - Eating Vegetables Can Keep You Smart into Old Age

Eating vegetables can keep you smart into old age, say researchers in Germany. In their study, people who ate tour or more daily servings (about 350 grams) of fruits and vegetables scored higher on cognitive test than did those who took in less than a serving. They also had high blood Levels of vitamin E, which can prevent degradation of nerve tissues.

48 Percentage above the recommended maximum intake of sodium the average person eats each day (Source : American Journal of Health Promotion)

FISH VS. FLAX

People who don't want to take fish-oil supplements for their ornega-3 fatty acids often turn to plant sources Like flaxseed oil. But Australian researchers found that taking flaxseed oil actually increases free radicals in your body, which can lead to inflammation. When 36 men took 9 grams of a flaxseed oil supplement every day for a month, they showed a 38 percent increase in markers of a free radical called F1-phytoprostane. Study author Anne Barden, Ph.D., says your body readily oxidizes the alpha linolenic acid in flaxseed. which creates the free radicals. Your best bet remains fish oil.

HOT CHOICES

Instant oatmeal is one of the great healthy foods, but there are other hot cereals for gray winter mornings.

1. Steel-cut oats

You'll enjoy more of the oat grain with these than with instant oats, allowing for a richer flavor and more nutrients.

2. Cream of Wheat

Eat this milled cereal to toad up on vitamin B and iron. Skip the flavored varieties and add a touch of honey or maple syrup instead.

3. Hominy

These puffy, creamy kernels are made from dried corn (sans hull and germ). Just crack open a can and heat. They’re not as nutritious as oats, but give a good dose of fiber.

4. Hulled buckwheat

This protein-packed grain (5.7 grams per serving) cooks slowly, so make a big batch for reheating all week.

5. Corn grits

Ground hominy equals grits, a Southern staple and a good source of folate. Boost flavor and protein by heating grits with butter and sausage.

6. Ralston

Essentially a whole grain version of Cream of Wheat, Ralston has a wheatier flavor and more fiber to keep you feeling full until Lunch.

Source : Men's Health Magazine