“Roughly one-quarter of people living in the US carry a genetic variant of the apolipoprotein E gene, called APOE4, the most important genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Many lifestyle behaviors can mitigate risk, especially sleep hygiene, which provides an opportunity to rid the brain of toxic metabolic byproducts that can contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk.”
“Consuming chocolate and cocoa may carry some risks, however, due to their cadmium content and possible effects on the fetus during pregnancy. In this Aliquot, I describe some of the research on the benefits and risks of consuming cocoa and chocolate, as foods or supplements.”
“Choline is particularly important during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but some evidence suggests that choline supplementation could carry some risks. In this Aliquot, I talk about the science surrounding choline.”
“The benefits of HIIT include improvements in muscle tissue oxidative capacity, enhanced insulin response, improvements in heart function, and increased lactate – an important source of fuel for the heart, brain, and muscles.”
“Building muscle mass in one's early years is essential for staving off the age-related loss of muscle mass and may promote longevity. In this Aliquot, Dr. Stuart Phillips discusses the importance of building muscle through resistance training and why starting early is important.”
“Having sufficient muscle mass markedly reduces a person's risk of dying prematurely. Although some studies suggest that eating less protein promotes longevity, those studies might not take into account the periods of disuse and disability that often occur in real life.”
“Consuming sufficient protein is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. Emphasis on specific amino acids within protein, particularly the branched-chain amino acids, probably isn't necessary unless you're an elite athlete or an older adult.”
“Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscles. Aiming for about 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (about 0.5 to 0.7 grams per pound) is optimal for maintenance on the lower end and building muscle on the higher end.”
“Meditation is a form of mental training geared toward improving aspects of a person's core neurocognitive function, such as the regulation of attention and emotion. Research suggests that meditation may protect the brain from the negative effects of stress and promote mental health.”
“Meditation, in its various forms, has powerful effects on the brain and body. In this second part of our two-part series on meditation, we'll discuss some of the different ways to engage in meditation as well as some of its parallel practices, such as running or communing with nature.”