Use or lose brain
True: When it comes to your brain, use it or lose it
A bevy of research indicates that if you constantly challenge your brain, you may be able to stave off cognitive impairment, dementia, and possibly even Alzheimer’s. One study, which focused on people between 55 and 75, suggests that something as simple as playing video games could improve brain function and increase grey matter in the hippocampus. Another looked at older adults who regularly engaged in “mentally engaging activities,” such as reading and doing crossword puzzles, and reported that they scored higher on mental-sharpness tests. Check out these fun activities scientifically proven to rev up your brain.
Carrots and vision
True: Carrots are good for your eyes
While carrots won’t improve your vision, research suggests that they can help maintain it. The reason lies with beta carotene, a carotenoid (or pigment) that the body converts to vitamin A. Your body uses vitamin A to build proteins for eye cells; if you have too little of it, you might even suffer from night blindness. Furthermore, a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that people who ate high levels of carotenoids had a 40 percent lower risk of developing advanced macular degeneration, the most common cause of age-related blindness. And for the record, it’s not just carrots: Sweet potatoes and orange peppers, as well as dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale are also rich in carotenoids.
Source: RD.com
