A new study shows Minnesota ranks No. 6 for the state with the best brain health.
Much like a computer, as we age, our brains can become a bit … glitchy. Medical experts increasingly believe keeping a healthy brain is the key to mental and physical well-being. According to the CDC, 5.8 million Americans have dementia -- and while there is no cure -- optimizing brain health through diet, exercise, sleep, and reading may prevent dementia.
Life Extension today released a study on the Best & Worst States for Brain Health after analyzing the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others.
A few key findings that led to Minnesota’s ranking show 51.2% of residents read literature, 71.1% eat fruits and vegetables daily, 83.5% exercise, and 30.1% do not get enough sleep.
3 Tips to Optimize Brain Health:
1. Feed Your Brain: The Mediterranean diet has been lauded by the NIH's National Institute on Aging. Staples of this brain-healthy approach to eating include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and healthy fats from fish, olive oil, avocado and nuts.
2. Bolster Your Nutrition: Fill any gaps in your diet with vitamins and minerals. Don’t like fatty fish? Take omega-3 supplements instead to improve brain function. Take a brain health quiz for personalized recommendations if you are not sure where to start.
3. Learn New Things: Harvard Medical School recommends practicing a new and challenging activity to maintain cognitive skills. Examples may include learning an instrument, a new language, or taking on a creative challenge like painting.
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