Healthy Mind

To reduce risk of cognitive decline, consume more omega-3s and unsaturated oils, fewer foods high in saturated fat.

Getting a good nights sleep is good for more than just feeling perkier the next morning. Studies have shown that adequate sleep contributes to healthier blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. On the other hand, people who fall short in sleep hours are more likely to be overweight or obese and to be diagnosed with hypertension.

New results from the largest-ever clinical trial of ginkgo biloba add to the mounting evidence that Americans who spend $250 million annually on the herbal supplement are probably wasting their money: Researchers conducting the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study report that twice-daily doses of 120 milligrams of ginkgo extract did no better than a placebo in slowing older adults rate of cognitive decline. Earlier GEM findings had debunked ginkgos purported protective benefit against Alzheimers and overall dementia, as well as most cardiovascular benefits (see the February 2010 Healthletter).

Sitting in front of the tube munching salty snacks may be bad for your brain-and not just because of the dubious quality

If youre not getting enough vitamin B12, your brain might actually be smaller

Getting older doesnt have to mean sleeping poorly. Researchers who analyzed a survey of 155,877 Americans report that people

Pumping iron might be good for your aging brain as well as your muscles, according to a new study of older

That bacon double cheeseburger might be as bad for your brain as it is for your heart

As the weather cools, a cup of hot cocoa might hit the spot-and could boost your brainpower

Yet another trial has failed to find significant memory-protecting benefits from ginkgo biloba, leading an accompanying editorial