Protect Your Brain Against POOR Diet Choices
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 2, 2024
Most of us want to eat a healthy diet.
But I get it. That’s FAR easier said than done.
Processed foods are cheap, readily available, and convenient. They fit perfectly into our busy lifestyle.
Besides, if you’re like many folks, your appetite started to shrink as you headed into your senior years. So, grabbing a bowl of sugary cereal or munching on some chips and cookies is often enough to satisfy.
But that not-so-perfect diet can catch up with you in more ways than one. And it could be especially dangerous for your brain.
But don’t give up. Research recently revealed a simple solution that could PROTECT your cognition even when your diet isn’t so perfect.
Chocolate lovers, it turns out you’ve been onto something all along.
The results of a randomized clinical trial published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that cocoa extracts could give your brain a boost.
Researchers analyzed data from a trial involving 573 senior volunteers.
Participants took either a…
- 500-mg cocoa flavanol supplement
- or a multivitamin and mineral supplement
The scientists found that cocoa extracts DID deliver some significant cognitive perks. But ONLY to the folks who didn’t have the healthiest diet to begin with.
Cocoa flavanols enhance blood flow and metabolism in areas of the brain related to memory and cognition.
Plus, the compounds also have anti-inflammatory effects that protect nerve cells from age-related decline.
The study’s authors suggest the brain-boosting compounds in cocoa may partially compensate for diets low in essential nutrients.
Of course, IMPROVING your eating habits should be your first priority. But for seniors who struggle with their diet, a daily dose of cocoa could give their noodles a much-needed nudge.
A cocoa supplement will do the trick. But if you’re a chocolate fan, you can munch on the real deal and get some of the same benefits.
However, the trick to making this brain-health hack work is to choose dark chocolate with the highest percentage of cocoa you can tolerate.
Pick bars with over 60 percent cocoa to reap the brain benefits. Choose anything below that, and the brain-boosting effects start to fade.
And stick to just a couple of squares daily. Overdoing can erase the benefits.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
Red Fruit Fix for Hypertension!
Concerned about your blood pressure? Forget about an apple-a-day! ANOTHER fruit might be JUST what the doctor ordered for hypertension.
Smoking Accelerates Shocking Brain Aging Symptom
You don’t need me to tell you that our bodies change as we age. You’ve got the wrinkles and gray hairs to prove it. But there’s one INTERNAL change many folks are SHOCKED to learn happens.
Sitting Can Send You to an Early Grave
Sitting a lot raises your risk for heart disease and diabetes. But you CAN counter this threat. And it’s easier than you might imagine.
Mailbag: Tips to Support Someone with Dementia
There are some thoughtful things you can do to help a loved one with dementia feel loved, supported, and safe.
“Forest Fix” CONQUERS Chronic UTIs
Tired of painful UTIs? What if you could dodge your next one altogether? (And the one after that!) Researchers say TREE BARK could be the answer.
Protein WARS: The FINAL Answer on Animal vs. Plant
Some nutritionists claim a protein is a protein, no matter the source. But are animal and protein sources REALLY the same? I’ve got the FINAL answer…
P.S. Cocoa isn’t good for your brain alone. Check out my earlier post, “The Sweet Treat Secret to Flexible Arteries.”
Source:
“Effect of cocoa extract supplementation on cognitive function: results from the clinic subcohort of the COSMOS trial,” January 2024, Volume 119, ISSUE 1, P39-48, doi. org /10.1016/ j. ajcnut. 2023.10.031
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The $1000 Weight-Loss Secret Your Body Makes for FREE
Weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become household names. These injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs have captured widespread attention, with celebrity endorsements and social media success stories highlighting their dramatic results. But here’s what those glossy headlines aren’t telling you… GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released by your gut. It acts as...
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...