New research has shown that a high fat diet in lab mice helps decrease brain aging. This is good news, especially because there are several other supporting studies out there, too. If this were to translate to humans–and odds are that it will since mice and humans share mammal characteristics–then the implications are great for those that may be at risk of age related dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It also raises some huge concerns, primarily the one that high fat diets should be avoided because they are harmful to the rest of the body, particularly the cardiovascular system.
First, remember that there are good fats in addition to the bad ones that we’ve been warned about our entire lives. The good fats, like Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, are actually quite beneficial and have been recommended as supplements for many years by healthcare professionals. This can be found naturally in fatty fish like salmon, but most people don’t eat a lot of this type of food. Either way, taking Omega 3 as a supplement is usually a good idea. Fish oil capsules are the most common supplement that has Omega 3 fatty acids within them.
For this particular study, researchers focused on the medium chain fatty acids from coconut oil, which is a positive point. It implies that even those who do not like fish are still able to get the beneficial fatty acids from other natural sources. Supplements are still the most surefire way to make sure you are getting these nutrients on a daily basis, though. Dietary sources are best, but a supplement will help to ensure that some is acquired and that you are benefiting as much as possible.
Always consult a medical professional before beginning any sort of supplement or vitamin routine. This is usually just a safety precaution, but if you are being monitored for any sort of ongoing health issue, your doctor will be able to better track your progress and make sure that your health doesn’t worsen while you’re taking this. This is not likely, but it is always a good and safe idea to track any lifestyle or diet changes with your doctor, even if they seem like very minor ones.
Today, with statistics saying that so many people will need senior care in their elder years, keeping yourself as healthy as possible is a good idea to help decrease your dependence upon a caregiver. Making small changes in your diet and taking a supplement on a daily basis is an easy change and could have very worthwhile results. Care for seniors is hardly ever something that people look forward to, and by taking care of your health before it becomes an issue through preventative measures such as exercise and a good diet, then you will better your odds of not needing care. And if you do need care, a type that is not very intrusive, such as in-home care, becomes much more likely to fulfill all of your needs. It’s a little step, but it could pay off down the road for you.
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