Mindfully Healing

Studies on both humans and mice have suggested a protective effect. Caffeine — along with 24 other compounds — could help to protect against dementia. The protective effect comes from an enzyme called NMNAT2 that was discovered last year. Professor Hui-Chen Lu, who led the study, said: “This work could help advance efforts to develop drugs that increase levels of this enzyme in the brain, creating a chemical ‘blockade’ against the debilitating effects of neurodegenerative disorders.” NMNAT2 plays a dual role. It guards neurons against stress and helps fight the

One glass per day for 12 weeks improved brain function and cognitive abilities. Concentrated blueberry juice improves cognitive function in older people, new research finds. Those who drank the juice also had better blood flow and activation in their brains as well as improvements to working memory. The boost to brain power is likely down to the flavonoids in blueberries. Flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Dr Joanna Bowtell, the study’s first author, said: “Our cognitive function tends to decline as we get older, but previous research has shown that

Amazingly, it also makes women appear more faithful. More revealing clothing can actually make women appear more intelligent and more faithful, new research finds. The study conflicts with previous research finding dressing sexy has the opposite effect. The research may demonstrate changing stereotypes about women. The study’s author, said: “Contrary to our predictions it was the sexualised clothing which resulted in higher intelligence and faithfulness ratings.” For the research, 64 people were shown pictures of a fashion model dressed in two different ways. In one picture she had on a

Although the neurotic generally suffer from more stress and anxiety, some have a surprising health advantage. Being neurotic can be good for your health in some circumstances. So-called ‘healthy neurotics’ are people who combine neurotic personality traits with being conscientious. The self-discipline of being conscientious counteracts unhealthy neurotic behaviours like overeating and drinking too much alcohol. Dr Nicholas A. Turiano, the study’s first author, said: “These people are likely to weigh the consequences of their actions, and therefore their level of neuroticism coupled with conscientiousness probably stops them from engaging