Sorry, but RFK Jr.'s beloved beef tallow fries won't save Steak 'n Shake

The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of

Yahoo

2 hours ago

Yahoo

The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of

The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of originally appeared on Parade. If you've spent even a few minutes scrolling through your feed, you've likely passed by a video (or two) that spouts the benefits of popular wellness trends for longevity. Whether it's trying retinol to reduce wrinkles, checking out a Pilates class to strengthen muscles, or downloading a meditation app to squeeze in a few minutes of self-care, many people are trying just about anything in the name of living a longer, healthier those examples all help with different facets of longevity, we can't forget about the brain. As you age, keeping your brain sharp becomes increasingly important. And while you've probably heard that doing crossworld puzzles or getting seven hours of sleep per night are good for your brain (they are!), the food you eat also has a significant impact on cognitive function as you get older. Experts advise that a diet that includes fruits, leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, and fish supports healthy brain aging. But with so many different food groups to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to add to your grocery list. We spoke with a neurologist to specifically learn which fruit people over 50 should eat more of, and here's what our expert had to say. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 What Fruit Does a Neurologist Recommend for People Over 50? Berries, grapes, and citrus fruits are often lauded for their cognitive benefits. That's because all of these fruits contain antioxidants, or substances that play a critical role in helping prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress. Specifically, antioxidants support your brain by protecting neurons and brain cells, which can boost cognitive function (like your ability to think or remember things). Related: Want to Lower Your Blood Pressure? Try This 2-Minute TrickBut the number one fruit that , a board-certified neurologist and professor at New York Medical College, recommends for healthy aging might not even be one that you reach for too often. 'One fruit that deserves more recognition is the pomegranate,' he explains. 'Pomegranates are rich in polyphenols, which provide powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.'These nutrients in pomegranates offer a variety of cognitive benefits. 'Pomegranates have been shown to enhance learning and memory,' Dr. Etienne says. '[They] may also help protect the brain from amyloid, the protein that accumulates in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.' Alzheimer's disease, an age-related neurodegenerative disorder that affects your memory and thinking, is the most common type of dementia. The condition affects 7 million Americans and 1 in 9 people over the age of 65. Recent studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranates, in particular, can help protect against Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Etienne also notes that more studies are now assessing whether pomegranates might help prevent or slow down the progression of other brain disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. Related: But disease prevention isn't the only benefit. As you reach your 50s, 60s, and beyond, a sharp brain can help you continue to critically think, learn, manage daily tasks, enjoy social activities, and maintain your independence. Eating brain-friendly fruits like pomegranates may be one small step to achieve that bigger goal. What To Keep in Mind Before Eating Pomegranates Before you stock up on this delicious fruit, there are some things to consider. 'One of the main drawbacks of a pomegranate is its high cost and the fact that it isn't easily available year-round,' Dr. Etienne says. Generally, pomegranates are in season in the fall between September and December. But there's good news: Pomegranate extract might also give you those brain-boosting benefits. 'While the fresh fruit may not be available throughout the year, pomegranate extract can be purchased all year long,' Dr. Etienne explains. 'However, be cautious not to buy a version of pomegranate extract that contains added sugars, as these are not beneficial for the aging brain.'It's also worth noting that pomegranates may not be the best option for everyone. 'If you are considering incorporating pomegranates into your regular diet, it is important to consult your doctor to ensure it is safe for you,' Dr. Etienne advises. Related: The Silent Symptom of Atrial Fibrillation That Can Be Mistaken for Stress Pomegranates may interact with certain medications like blood-thinning drugs (which prevent blood clots), statins (which lower cholesterol), ACE inhibitors (which reduce blood pressure), and antidepressants (which help treat depression and anxiety). And if you're experiencing an active flare-up of an underlying health condition like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis, it may be best to avoid pomegranates altogether. 'They can be difficult to digest and may irritate the gut during these active flare-ups,' Dr. Etienne notes. Your best bet will always be to check in with your healthcare provider about any lifestyle changes you're making. They can help give you individualized medical advice that tailors to your health goals. Other Brain-Healthy Fruits To Try So, what happens if you can't eat pomegranates because they either interact with your medications, aren't available in stores, or you just don't flat-out like them? Don't worry, there are always other fruits you can consider. 'I strongly recommend that individuals over the age of 50 also regularly incorporate blueberries, dark grapes, avocados, and citrus fruits into their diets,' Dr. Etienne says. These fruits have their own brain-boosting health benefits. For example: 'Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help protect the brain and preserve memory,' he says. 'Dark grapes contain resveratrol, a polyphenol that reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.' Your fruit choices are important, but what ultimately matters is that you incorporate foods in your eating plan that are both good for your brain and your taste buds. So, if these brain-healthy fruits aren't already a part of your diet, we hope this information at least gives you some food for thought—literally. Up Next:Sources Lee, K. H., Cha, M., & Lee, B. H. (2020). Neuroprotective effect of antioxidants in the brain. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(19), 7152. Mill Etienne, MD, MPH, FAAN, FAES, a board-certified neurologist and professor at New York Medical College Alzheimer's Disease facts and figures. (n.d.). Alzheimer's Association. Ullah, A., Khan, A., Ahmed, S., Irfan, H. M., Hafiz, A. A., Jabeen, K., Alruwaili, M., Alotaibi, M., Naeem, W. A., Khan, A., & Al-Harrasi, A. (2023). A review of pomegranate supplementation: A promising remedial avenue for Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon, 9(11), e22483. The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of first appeared on Parade on Aug 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

Yahoo

2 hours ago

Yahoo

The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of

The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of originally appeared on Parade. If you've spent even a few minutes scrolling through your feed, you've likely passed by a video (or two) that spouts the benefits of popular wellness trends for longevity. Whether it's trying retinol to reduce wrinkles, checking out a Pilates class to strengthen muscles, or downloading a meditation app to squeeze in a few minutes of self-care, many people are trying just about anything in the name of living a longer, healthier those examples all help with different facets of longevity, we can't forget about the brain. As you age, keeping your brain sharp becomes increasingly important. And while you've probably heard that doing crossworld puzzles or getting seven hours of sleep per night are good for your brain (they are!), the food you eat also has a significant impact on cognitive function as you get older. Experts advise that a diet that includes fruits, leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, and fish supports healthy brain aging. But with so many different food groups to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to add to your grocery list. We spoke with a neurologist to specifically learn which fruit people over 50 should eat more of, and here's what our expert had to say. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 What Fruit Does a Neurologist Recommend for People Over 50? Berries, grapes, and citrus fruits are often lauded for their cognitive benefits. That's because all of these fruits contain antioxidants, or substances that play a critical role in helping prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress. Specifically, antioxidants support your brain by protecting neurons and brain cells, which can boost cognitive function (like your ability to think or remember things). Related: Want to Lower Your Blood Pressure? Try This 2-Minute TrickBut the number one fruit that , a board-certified neurologist and professor at New York Medical College, recommends for healthy aging might not even be one that you reach for too often. 'One fruit that deserves more recognition is the pomegranate,' he explains. 'Pomegranates are rich in polyphenols, which provide powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.'These nutrients in pomegranates offer a variety of cognitive benefits. 'Pomegranates have been shown to enhance learning and memory,' Dr. Etienne says. '[They] may also help protect the brain from amyloid, the protein that accumulates in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.' Alzheimer's disease, an age-related neurodegenerative disorder that affects your memory and thinking, is the most common type of dementia. The condition affects 7 million Americans and 1 in 9 people over the age of 65. Recent studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranates, in particular, can help protect against Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Etienne also notes that more studies are now assessing whether pomegranates might help prevent or slow down the progression of other brain disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. Related: But disease prevention isn't the only benefit. As you reach your 50s, 60s, and beyond, a sharp brain can help you continue to critically think, learn, manage daily tasks, enjoy social activities, and maintain your independence. Eating brain-friendly fruits like pomegranates may be one small step to achieve that bigger goal. What To Keep in Mind Before Eating Pomegranates Before you stock up on this delicious fruit, there are some things to consider. 'One of the main drawbacks of a pomegranate is its high cost and the fact that it isn't easily available year-round,' Dr. Etienne says. Generally, pomegranates are in season in the fall between September and December. But there's good news: Pomegranate extract might also give you those brain-boosting benefits. 'While the fresh fruit may not be available throughout the year, pomegranate extract can be purchased all year long,' Dr. Etienne explains. 'However, be cautious not to buy a version of pomegranate extract that contains added sugars, as these are not beneficial for the aging brain.'It's also worth noting that pomegranates may not be the best option for everyone. 'If you are considering incorporating pomegranates into your regular diet, it is important to consult your doctor to ensure it is safe for you,' Dr. Etienne advises. Related: The Silent Symptom of Atrial Fibrillation That Can Be Mistaken for Stress Pomegranates may interact with certain medications like blood-thinning drugs (which prevent blood clots), statins (which lower cholesterol), ACE inhibitors (which reduce blood pressure), and antidepressants (which help treat depression and anxiety). And if you're experiencing an active flare-up of an underlying health condition like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis, it may be best to avoid pomegranates altogether. 'They can be difficult to digest and may irritate the gut during these active flare-ups,' Dr. Etienne notes. Your best bet will always be to check in with your healthcare provider about any lifestyle changes you're making. They can help give you individualized medical advice that tailors to your health goals. Other Brain-Healthy Fruits To Try So, what happens if you can't eat pomegranates because they either interact with your medications, aren't available in stores, or you just don't flat-out like them? Don't worry, there are always other fruits you can consider. 'I strongly recommend that individuals over the age of 50 also regularly incorporate blueberries, dark grapes, avocados, and citrus fruits into their diets,' Dr. Etienne says. These fruits have their own brain-boosting health benefits. For example: 'Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help protect the brain and preserve memory,' he says. 'Dark grapes contain resveratrol, a polyphenol that reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.' Your fruit choices are important, but what ultimately matters is that you incorporate foods in your eating plan that are both good for your brain and your taste buds. So, if these brain-healthy fruits aren't already a part of your diet, we hope this information at least gives you some food for thought—literally. Up Next:Sources Lee, K. H., Cha, M., & Lee, B. H. (2020). Neuroprotective effect of antioxidants in the brain. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(19), 7152. Mill Etienne, MD, MPH, FAAN, FAES, a board-certified neurologist and professor at New York Medical College Alzheimer's Disease facts and figures. (n.d.). Alzheimer's Association. Ullah, A., Khan, A., Ahmed, S., Irfan, H. M., Hafiz, A. A., Jabeen, K., Alruwaili, M., Alotaibi, M., Naeem, W. A., Khan, A., & Al-Harrasi, A. (2023). A review of pomegranate supplementation: A promising remedial avenue for Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon, 9(11), e22483. The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of first appeared on Parade on Aug 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

After Years of Anger Directed at C.D.C., Shooting Manifests Worst Fears

New York Times

3 hours ago

New York Times

After Years of Anger Directed at C.D.C., Shooting Manifests Worst Fears

The day after a lone gunman opened fire on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, killing a police officer and shattering windows across the agency's campus, employees were reeling from shock, fear and rage. 'We're mad this has happened,' Dr. Debra Houry, the C.D.C.'s chief medical officer, said in a large group call Saturday morning with Susan Monarez, the agency's newly confirmed director, who tried to reassure them. Another employee on the call, a recording of which was obtained by The New York Times, asked Dr. Monarez: 'Are you able to speak to the misinformation, the disinformation that caused this issue? And what your plan forward is to ensure this doesn't happen again?' The investigation into the shooting and the gunman's potential motives was still in early stages on Saturday. But law enforcement officials said that the suspect identified in the shooting had become fixated with the coronavirus vaccine, believing that it was the cause of his physical ailments. Inside the C.D.C., the shooting was viewed as part of a pattern in which health workers have been targets of political, verbal and physical assaults on them and their workplaces. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the director of the C.D.C.'s respiratory diseases division, told Dr. Monarez on the call that employees wanted to see a plan for their safety and an acknowledgment that the attack was not just 'a shooting that just happened across the street with some stray bullets.' Dr. Daskalakis was not in his office when its windows were pierced by one of the gunman's bullets. Many Americans, and even some top federal health officials in the Trump administration, have blamed the C.D.C. for lockdowns, school closings and vaccine mandates, even when some of those decisions were made by state and local governments, or businesses. 'I am heartbroken, angry and somehow not surprised,' said Dr. Anne Zink, a former president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials who served as Alaska's chief medical officer until last year. Threats against her have increased even though she is no longer a government official, she said. The New York Times spoke with or texted a dozen C.D.C. scientists on Saturday, who discussed the shooting on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. They described being terrified as bullets shattered the glass windows, and some recounted the chilling sight of casings littered in front of the C.D.C. In interviews, the employees conveyed sadness about the police officer who had died trying to keep them safe, and a feeling of betrayal and devastation at being demonized while working to improve Americans' health. The sound of rapid gunfire started around 4:50 p.m. on Friday. One scientist who evaluates Covid vaccines had just stepped out of her building to walk to her car. As she headed to pick up her infant daughter from day care, shots rang out over her right shoulder, she said. She turned around, ran back inside and called security to confirm what was happening. 'C.D.C. SHELTER IN PLACE. GUNMAN AT EMORY POINT,' she wrote to friends and colleagues in a group chat at 4:57 p.m. (The agency did not send out its alert to employees until 5:13 p.m.) The employee and three others barricaded themselves in an office, moving two loaded bookshelves against the door. She put a sticky note over the motion sensor for the light switch and laid flat on the floor for hours, before a SWAT team arrived to clear the floor. She finally made it home to her husband and two young children around midnight. In a text message sent at 3:11 a.m., she said she was still awake, too traumatized to sleep. At least four buildings were damaged by bullets, Dr. Monarez said in a statement Friday night. Photos shared by workers revealed glass windows shattered by bullet holes. One showed as many as 18 bullet holes in a single building. One of the buildings included a containment lab of the highest biosecurity level, but under tight security and with reinforced walls. It was not hit in the attack. The C.D.C. studies some of the most dangerous pathogens in the world, including Ebola and Marburg viruses and the bacteria that cause anthrax. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who oversees the C.D.C., did not make a statement on Friday. Late Saturday morning, more than 30 minutes after posting photos of his fishing with his family on social media, Mr. Kennedy posted condolences on his official X account and pledged to support C.D.C. employees. In an email sent later in the day to the entire Department of Health and Human Services, including the C.D.C., Mr. Kennedy wrote: 'This is a reminder of the very human challenges public servants sometimes face — even in places dedicated to healing and progress. But it also reinforces the importance of the work you do every day.' On the Saturday morning C.D.C. call, an employee asked Dr. Monarez twice if she had spoken to Mr. Kennedy. Both times Dr. Monarez replied that she had been in touch with the 'office of the secretary.' Mr. Kennedy has previously called the C.D.C. a 'cesspool of corruption' and a fascist enterprise. He has accused the agency's scientists of ignoring vaccine harms to children, comparing it to the Catholic Church's coverup of child sex abuse. He has also disparaged the Covid-19 vaccine, calling it the 'deadliest' vaccine ever made. Some scientists said the attack was an extreme example of the violence many health workers have experienced since the pandemic began. 'The intersection of disinformation, conspiracy theories and political violence is getting scarier by the day,' said Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist at Bellevue Hospital Center. 'I'm very worried about how this is now going beyond defunding of infectious diseases and public health to political violence against the people working in those fields,' she said. Health care workers make up 10 percent of the nation's work force, but they experience nearly half of the nonfatal injuries incurred, according to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nearly 9,000 employees and contractors work at the campus where the shooting took place, but it is unclear how many might have been absent because of off-site work and vacations, or because they had just left the office. Dr. Fiona Havers, who resigned from her position as a senior C.D.C. adviser on vaccine policy earlier this year, was on lockdown at Emory University Hospital while visiting a colleague. She heard the sirens, and stayed in close contact with her friends and former colleagues, including in a 900-person chat group where C.D.C. employees shared terrifying details of the shooting. 'I am feeling very angry and very sad for my colleagues that are still at C.D.C.,' said Dr. Havers, who quit after Mr. Kennedy fired all 17 members of a committee that makes recommendations on which shots Americans should take and when. 'This was a major attack on a federal facility,' she said.

Sorry, but RFK Jr.'s beloved beef tallow fries won't save Steak 'n Shake

Hashtags

Try Our AI Features

Comments

Related Articles

The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of

The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of

After Years of Anger Directed at C.D.C., Shooting Manifests Worst Fears

Sorry, but RFK Jr.'s beloved beef tallow fries won't save Steak 'n Shake

Hashtags

Try Our AI Features

Comments

Related Articles

The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of

The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of

After Years of Anger Directed at C.D.C., Shooting Manifests Worst Fears

Get Started Now: Download the App