Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) have found that two Indigenous societies in Bolivia have some of the lowest rates of heart and brain disease ever reported.
They also found that there are optimal levels of food consumption and exercise that can reduce the risk of disease.
The Tsimané and Mosetén communities living in the tropical forests of lowland Bolivia were found to have less brain atrophy and improved cardiovascular health compared to industrialized populations in the US and Europe.
The study found that the rates of age-related brain atrophy, which is linked to degenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s, are lower among these Indigenous communities.
The researchers enrolled 1,165 adults aged 40-94 from the Tsimané and Mosetén communities and measured their brain volume using CT scans, as well as their body mass index, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
The team found that the Tsimané and Mosetén experienced less brain atrophy and improved cardiovascular health compared to industrialized populations in the US and Europe.
The study also revealed that the Mosetén, who have more exposure to modern technology, medicine, infrastructure, and education than the Tsimané, showed better health than modern populations in Europe and North America—but not as good as that of the Tsimané.
The authors of the study explained that people living in societies with abundant food and little requirement for physical activity face a conflict between what they consciously know is best for their health and the cravings, or drives, that come from our evolutionary past.
The researchers believe that the future of preventative medicine relies on an understanding of humans’ evolutionary past and finding the “sweet spot” where the brain is provided with neither too little nor too much food and nutrients, and where you have a vigorous amount of exercise.
In summary, the study found that Indigenous communities in Bolivia have optimal levels of food consumption and exercise that can reduce the risk of disease, including heart and brain disease.
The researchers believe that understanding humans’ evolutionary past and finding the “sweet spot” where the brain is provided with neither too little nor too much food and nutrients, and where you have a vigorous amount of exercise, could be key to disease prevention.
There are several things you can do to promote healthy brain aging:
Exercise regularly: Exercise helps increase blood flow to the brain, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. It also stimulates the growth of new brain cells, which can help prevent cognitive decline.
Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help promote brain health. It is also important to limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated and trans fats.
Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for brain health as it allows the brain to rest and repair. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Stay mentally active: Engage in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, puzzles, and learning new skills to keep your brain active and healthy.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can have negative effects on brain health. Find healthy ways to manage stress such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
Stay socially connected: Social interaction can help keep the brain active and healthy. Spend time with family and friends, join clubs or groups, and volunteer in your community.
By incorporating these habits into your lifestyle, you can promote healthy brain aging and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
If you care about health, please read studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and this plant nutrient could help reduce high blood pressure.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
The study was conducted by Hillard Kaplan et al and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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