Latest news with #HebeiMedicalUniversity
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Copper for a smarter you? Study finds this mineral may boost brain health as you age
Copper may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering brain health, but this could change. A recent study discovered a surprising link between copper-rich diets and improved cognitive function in older adults. Researchers believe there could be a "sweet spot" for daily copper consumption. A new study from China's Hebei Medical University links higher copper intake in older adults to better cognitive function. While the results are preliminary, they provide new insights into aging and brain analyzed data from over 2,400 seniors in the United States and discovered that those who consumed approximately 1.22 mg of copper per day performed better on brain tests. More research is needed to confirm this link. ALSO READ: Salt Typhoon breach triggers nationwide alert — are US military networks compromised? The recent study found a significant correlation between older adults' diets and improved cognitive function. In a study conducted by a team from Hebei Medical University in China, which examined diet and health data for 2,420 adults in the United States who were 60 years of age or older, it was discovered that a higher copper intake was associated with improved cognitive function, as per a report by Science there was a threshold point beyond which more copper doesn't appear to provide any additional benefits, people with higher copper intakes scored significantly higher than those with lower copper intakes across a number of measures. "The current study indicates a potential association between dietary copper intake and enhanced cognitive function in American older adults, particularly among those with a history of stroke," the authors of the paper write."An ideal copper intake level was proposed by dose-response analysis, with an inflection point of roughly 1.22 mg daily. Nevertheless, additional longitudinal research is required to validate these results. And that addresses some of the study's main shortcomings. ALSO READ: Harvest Rosemary the right way — keep your plant thriving all year with these easy tips The researchers estimated the participants' copper intake by asking them twice to report everything they had eaten in the previous 24 hours. Only a moment in time is provided, and self-reporting biases may be introduced. Studies that track participants over a number of years and take more precise measurements of their copper intake would be necessary to conduct additional we cannot claim that there is a clear cause-and-effect link in this case. But the statistical strength of the association justifies more research. Furthermore, it is consistent with other research that found copper to be beneficial to the brain. We are aware that it guards against harm and facilitates neuronal communication and energy production in the the study's findings are not shocking. They do, however, assist in determining a "sweet spot" for copper consumption and quantifying the benefits of copper across a sizable aged population and a variety of cognitive tests."Though copper is necessary for proper functioning of the brain, and deficiencies can lead to neurological disorders, excessive copper can be toxic, leading to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration," the investigators daily dosage of 1.22 mg is comparable to a bowl of lentils or a handful of walnuts. Unbelievably, a variety of foods, such as oysters, potatoes, dark chocolate, wheat bran, and mushrooms, contain like magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, and copper are gaining attention due to their potential role in maintaining cognitive function as people age. This is in addition to what has already been found in research on diet and good diet is by no means the only component, it is evident that our diet has a significant impact on the health of our brains. Improvements in the prevention and treatment of the brain issues that typically accompany aging can be facilitated by research such as this. How much copper could improve brain function?The study found that taking approximately 1.22 mg per day provided the most benefit. Where do I get copper from food? Lentils, dark chocolate, walnuts, and mushrooms are excellent sources.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Copper for a smarter you? Study finds this mineral may boost brain health as you age
Copper may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering brain health, but this could change. A recent study discovered a surprising link between copper-rich diets and improved cognitive function in older adults. Researchers believe there could be a "sweet spot" for daily copper consumption. What did the study actually find? Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence PGDM Degree Design Thinking MCA Finance Digital Marketing MBA CXO healthcare others Data Science Data Science Cybersecurity Public Policy Operations Management Data Analytics Healthcare Leadership Technology Project Management Product Management Others Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details A new study from China's Hebei Medical University links higher copper intake in older adults to better cognitive function. While the results are preliminary, they provide new insights into aging and brain health. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,400 seniors in the United States and discovered that those who consumed approximately 1.22 mg of copper per day performed better on brain tests. More research is needed to confirm this link. ALSO READ: Salt Typhoon breach triggers nationwide alert — are US military networks compromised? Live Events The recent study found a significant correlation between older adults' diets and improved cognitive function. In a study conducted by a team from Hebei Medical University in China, which examined diet and health data for 2,420 adults in the United States who were 60 years of age or older, it was discovered that a higher copper intake was associated with improved cognitive function, as per a report by Science Alert. Although there was a threshold point beyond which more copper doesn't appear to provide any additional benefits, people with higher copper intakes scored significantly higher than those with lower copper intakes across a number of measures. How reliable are the results? "The current study indicates a potential association between dietary copper intake and enhanced cognitive function in American older adults, particularly among those with a history of stroke," the authors of the paper write. "An ideal copper intake level was proposed by dose-response analysis, with an inflection point of roughly 1.22 mg daily. Nevertheless, additional longitudinal research is required to validate these results. And that addresses some of the study's main shortcomings. ALSO READ: Harvest Rosemary the right way — keep your plant thriving all year with these easy tips The researchers estimated the participants' copper intake by asking them twice to report everything they had eaten in the previous 24 hours. Only a moment in time is provided, and self-reporting biases may be introduced. Studies that track participants over a number of years and take more precise measurements of their copper intake would be necessary to conduct additional research. Therefore, we cannot claim that there is a clear cause-and-effect link in this case. But the statistical strength of the association justifies more research. Furthermore, it is consistent with other research that found copper to be beneficial to the brain. We are aware that it guards against harm and facilitates neuronal communication and energy production in the brain. Therefore, the study's findings are not shocking. They do, however, assist in determining a "sweet spot" for copper consumption and quantifying the benefits of copper across a sizable aged population and a variety of cognitive tests. "Though copper is necessary for proper functioning of the brain, and deficiencies can lead to neurological disorders, excessive copper can be toxic, leading to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration," the investigators write. Where do we get copper in our diets? The daily dosage of 1.22 mg is comparable to a bowl of lentils or a handful of walnuts. Unbelievably, a variety of foods, such as oysters, potatoes, dark chocolate, wheat bran, and mushrooms, contain copper. Micronutrients like magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, and copper are gaining attention due to their potential role in maintaining cognitive function as people age. This is in addition to what has already been found in research on diet and good aging. Though diet is by no means the only component, it is evident that our diet has a significant impact on the health of our brains. Improvements in the prevention and treatment of the brain issues that typically accompany aging can be facilitated by research such as this. FAQs How much copper could improve brain function? The study found that taking approximately 1.22 mg per day provided the most benefit. Where do I get copper from food? Lentils, dark chocolate, walnuts, and mushrooms are excellent sources.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Getting more of this metal in your diet is good for your brain: study
Afraid of getting rusty? New research suggests increasing your dietary intake of a certain metal could give your brain a serious boost and might even help fend off cognitive decline as you age. But beware — too much can turn toxic. Luckily, Hebei Medical University think they've found the sweet spot. Advertisement 4 Cognitive function is one of the most critical aspects of healthy aging. Getty Images/iStockphoto In the study, researchers analyzed diet and health data collected from 2,420 Americans ages 60 and older over a four year period. They found those who consumed more copper in their daily diet scored significantly higher on cognitive tests than those with lower intake. The results held steady even after the team accounting for factors like age, sex, alcohol use and heart disease. The benefits appeared to be even greater for participants who'd previously suffered a stroke. Advertisement 'Dietary copper is crucial for brain health,' declared Professor Weiai Jia, the lead researcher of the study. Copper is a naturally occurring element and an essential nutrient the body needs for several functions. In their analysis, the scientists speculated that its brain benefits may come from copper's role in regulating neurotransmitters linked to learning, memory and alertness. Advertisement 4 Copper plays a critical role in brain functions crucial to memory and learning. Teeradej – Past research also shows copper helps generate energy in brain cells, protects them from damage and boosts communication between neurons. But there's a catch: Too much copper doesn't add extra benefits — it can actually do more harm than good. 'Though copper is necessary for proper functioning of the brain, and deficiencies can lead to neurological disorders, excessive copper can be toxic, leading to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration,' the researchers wrote. Advertisement 4 Roughly 35 million adults experience some form of cognitive impairment. LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – This damage can disrupt brain function and contribute to the development of chronic health problems like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Wilson's disease. Upon further analysis, the scientists found that 1.22 milligrams of dietary copper daily is enough to support your brain health and ward off cognitive decline without going overboard. The implications are significant, especially since research shows nearly 10% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older have dementia, with another 22% experiencing mild cognitive impairment. And those numbers are expected to rise in the coming years. Still, the researchers cautioned that additional long-term studies are needed to confirm their findings. 4 Many nuts and seeds contain substantial amounts of copper. New Africa – Want to boost your copper intake? Your body can't make it on its own, so you've got to get it from your diet. Supplements are one option, but the mineral is also packed into a wide range of foods. Advertisement Top sources of copper: Shellfish, like oysters and crap Organ meats, especially beef liver Other ways to get copper: Advertisement Nuts Seeds Shiitake mushrooms Dried fruits Beans Dark chocolate Whole grains Leafy greens like spinach and kale An added bonus: Copper does way more than just support your brain health. It's key for energy production, making red blood cells, absorbing iron, and keeping your immune system in top shape. Copper also helps maintain healthy blood vessels, nerves and bones — plus it's essential for producing collagen and connective tissue.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Copper Linked to Better Brain Function In Old Age, Diet Study Suggests
Copper isn't normally what comes to mind when talking about healthy eating, but a new study links copper in the diets of older adults to better cognitive function – a significant finding for research into healthy aging. Carried out by a team from Hebei Medical University in China, the study looked at diet and health data for 2,420 adults aged 60 or over in the US, finding there was a link between more copper in diets and better cognitive function. Across multiple measures, those with more copper in their diets scored significantly higher than those with less – though there was also a threshold point above which more copper doesn't seem to bring additional benefits. Related: "The current study indicates a potential association between dietary copper intake and enhanced cognitive function in American older adults, particularly among those with a history of stroke," write the researchers in their published paper. "Dose–response analysis suggested an optimal copper intake level, with an inflection point of approximately 1.22 milligrams per day. However, further longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm these findings." And that gets at some key limitations of the study. Participants were asked to report everything they'd eaten in the last 24 hours, on two occasions, and the scientists estimated their copper intake from that. That only gives us a snapshot in time, and introduces potential biases from self-reporting. To investigate further, studies would need to follow participants over several years, and measure their copper intake more carefully. As a result, we can't say there's a direct cause and effect relationship here. However, the relationship is statistically strong enough to warrant further investigation. What's more, it fits with earlier studies that came to the same conclusion: copper is good for the brain. We know that it helps neuron communication and energy production in the brain, and protects against damage. With that in mind, the study results aren't surprising. However, they do help quantify the benefits of copper across a relatively large group of older people, and several different cognitive tests – and identify a 'sweet spot' for copper intake. "Though copper is necessary for proper functioning of the brain, and deficiencies can lead to neurological disorders, excessive copper can be toxic, leading to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration," write the researchers. The 1.22 mg per day is the equivalent of a handful of walnuts or a bowl of lentils. Copper is found in more foods than you might think – including mushrooms, dark chocolate, wheat bran, potatoes, and oysters. There's an increasing amount of interest in micronutrients such as magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, and copper, and how they might be important in keeping brains sharp as people enter the later years of their lives. This is on top of what studies have already discovered about diets and healthy aging. Clearly, what we eat plays a major role in how healthy our brains are – though diet is far from the only factor involved. Research like this can lead the way towards improvements in preventions and treatments for the brain problems that tend to come with old age. "With the increase in the aging global aging population, the prevalence of cognitive impairment is also escalating," write the researchers. "All forms of dementia, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease, are marked by cognitive decline and are increasingly emerging as a significant global public health challenge." The research has been published in Scientific Reports. Ancient Killer Is Rapidly Becoming Resistant to Antibiotics, Warns Study Nicotine Pouches Poisoning Children at an Alarming Rate in The US Study Reveals How Long We Need to Walk to Prevent Chronic Back Pain
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
This common vegetable could be the secret weapon against dementia
We've all heard the saying that 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'... but did you know that the same could be said about potatoes? A new study published in Scientific Reports found that eating a diet rich in copper can help the body stave off dementia. Moreover, people who added copper to their daily diet experienced better cognitive function than those who ate relatively low levels. Researchers from the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, China, found that 1.22mg of copper per day, approximately two medium sized potatoes, significantly boosted brain health and helped ward off disease. Speaking of the findings, lead author Professor Weiai Jia urged those who have a history of stroke in particular to add copper to their daily diet, which can be in the form of potatoes, or other foods naturally packed with it, like wholegrains and beans. 'Dietary copper is crucial for brain health', he said. This is because copper triggers the release of iron which helps carry oxygen around the body and protects the brain against cognitive decline. The essential nutrient is also thought to be important for infant growth, brain development, the immune system and bone health. Adults aged 19 to 64 should try to consume 1.2mg of copper a day. The scientists believe that copper-rich foods may help regulate the release of neurotransmitters in the brain that are closely related to learning and memory. The team said that the links between dietary copper intake and cognitive function are complex, but highlighted energy metabolism and neurotransmission as potential reasons why copper can help protect brain function. It is thought that a lack of copper may accelerate the cognitive collapse that is associated with dementia, such as memory loss, language difficulties and problems with thinking and reasoning. In the longitudinal study, using data from the National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey, 2420 American adults were analyzed to see how dietary copper intake affected cognitive function, especially in participants with a history of stroke. According to the American Heart Association, having a stroke may triple someone's risk for developing dementia within the following year. Participants' were tracked for for four years and dietary copper intake was determined by averaging two 24 hour dietary recalls. Cognitive function was also assessed by a range of golden metrics. Researchers concluded that those who consumed the most copper had the highest cognitive scores, after accounting for various confounding factors such as age, sex, alcohol intake and heart disease. The researchers concluded: 'Our findings indicate a potential association between dietary copper intake and enhanced cognitive function in American older adults, particularly among those with a history of stroke.' However, the researchers noted that further research is needed to confirm these findings, with a major drawback of the study being that they used self-reported dietary reviews.
