A good diet and regular exercise was not only good for the health of the body but also can improve the function of the mind.
“Exercise and diet seems to increase the number of cognitive functions,” explained researcher Patrick Smith of Duke University. “Diet and exercise help the executive function, learning and psychomotor speed,” explained Smith, was quoted as saying healthday.com site.
Mental Function
To assess the effect of these programs on mental function. Researchers assist 124 men and women have hypertension. The average participant was 52 and overweight, at least as much as 7.5 kilograms. They were asked to take tests with paper and pencil, such as crossing out a certain number of pages filled with numbers as quickly as possible.
After four months the researchers found, the group who eat well and exercise regularly experienced an average increase in mental function as much as 30 percent.
Physical activity, light Smith, apparently has no direct effect on brain cells. “Exercise causes changes in neurochemistry. There is increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which stimulates cell contact with other brain cells. But, there is also evidence that exercise helps cell growth of new brain cells. ”
Detailed studies
One third of participants implementing diet and exercise as their previous habits. Another third to follow DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). This diet emphasizes low-fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables combined with exercise. The remaining third were asked to undergo a program that combines DASH diet with weight management programs, and aerobic exercise.
In the weight control program, the researchers apply two strategies. The first strategy focuses on reducing portions and behavioral changes, such as eating a snack. The second step was to use an approach known as taste recognition exercises, where participants receive guidance in choosing not only food but also control the amount of consumption.
Smith stated that the sports section of the program is not drastic. Participants were only asked to exercise 30 minutes three or four times a week. The duration is enough to make the heart beat up to 75-80 percent of its maximum rate.