Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Do Educated People Live Longer?

Do Educated People Live Longer?

If you struggle to lose yourself in your studies, this might help motivate you – people who are more educated ‘live longer’ claim a team of Swedish researchers.

According to scientists from the Centre of Health Equity Studies and the Swedish Institute for Social Research, people who are educated for at least nine years have a lower mortality rate after the age of 40 than those who study for eight years or less.

The research, based on the study results of 1.2 million Swedish people, found a link between education and life expectancy. They discovered that those exposed to an additional year of education adopted a more positive outlook on life during their ninth year of education, meaning they were more likely to look after their health and wellbeing.

“If your life is a little better, you take a little better care of yourself,” explains lead researcher Anton Lager in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, as reported by HealthDay.

“If you make a little more income, have a job with a little more flexibility, more control of time, then maybe you use less tobacco and alcohol," says Lager.

The researchers looked at data from 1949 to 2007, and discovered that people who received nine years of education as opposed to eight years and under, were less likely to die from all types of cancer (particularly lung cancer) and accidents.

Women with nine years of education behind them were less likely to die from heart disease.

  • Brain-Boosting Foods

  • Avocado

    Avocados are a great source of 'healthy fats' as well as a good blood circulation booster. This is important when it comes to brain power, as it enhances the blood flow to the brain, maintaining healthy brain function.

  • Oily Fish

    The essential omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish like sardines, herring, trout and mackerel, as well as walnut oil and flaxseeds (linseeds) - are high in Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fatty acid crucial to maintaining a healthy nervous system. Low DHA levels have been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and memory loss. Fish also contains iodine, which is known to improve mental clarity. For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish weekly.

  • Whole grains

    Whole grains improve circulation and help regulate glucose levels in the blood as the steadier the glucose levels, the easier it is to concentrate. This is why it's important to eat breakfast in the morning, as it not only revs up the metabolism, but keeps your sugar levels balanced as well as protecting against diabetes and heart disease.

  • Sugar

    Sugar is the brain's preferred fuel source, however before you reach for the table sugar, it's glucose that your body needs. The body metabolises glucose from the sugars and carbohydrates in food. That's why a glass of something sweet offers a short-term boost to memory, thinking processes, and mental ability. Too much sugar on the other hand, can result in impaired memory, so go easy on the sweet stuff and consume enough to boost your brain power.

  • Caffeine

    Like sugar, caffeine perks up the brain but if you have too much, it can have negative effect on your mental state. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you that unmistakable wake-up feeling. But beware, the effects are short-term and if you overdo it, the brain can go into overdrive and make you more jittery than sharp thinking.

  • Nuts And Seeds

    Nuts and seeds are great sources of antioxidant vitamin E, which is associated with less cognitive decline as you age. A good intake of vitamin E is linked to preventing poor memory. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E along with leafy green vegetables, seeds, eggs, brown rice and whole grains. Pumpkin seeds are especially good for boosting brain power, as a handful a day is all you need to get your recommended daily amount of zinc, vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills.

  • Blueberries

    Blueberries and strawberries contain antioxidants, which are thought to protect brain neurons from damage, build communication receptors between each brain cell, and flush out waste. They also help protect against age-related diseases like Alzheimer's. Blackberries are also a great brain booster, as it contains Vitamin C which has long been thought to have the power to increase mental agility.

  • Sage

    An unlikely contender, the humble sage has long had a reputation for improving memory. Although its recommended to try sage oils, try and sprinkle some sage into your diet.

  • Vitamins

    Folic acid and vitamin B12 help prevent homocysteine from building up in the body, which is higher in those with Alzheimer's. Vitamin B, C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium are also good vitamins to stock up on when looking to boost brain power.

  • Tomato

    Tomato's contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's.

  • Broccoli

    A great source of vitamin K, broccoli which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower.

Contribute to this Story:



Source: www.huffingtonpost.co.uk