Latest news with #RamonVelazquez
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New York City Cafe & Bar Closes After Only Six Months
After only a short time up and running, Upperz Cafe and Bar in New York City is closing down. The all-day cafe debuted in November 2024 at 319 E. 14th St., between First Avenue and Second Avenue in the East Village. Upperz, which is owned by siblings Marilyn and Ramon Velazquez, along with a third proprietor, Fern Gellin, will close at the end of the month. The owners shared the unfortunate news in a statement on social media last week. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce our closure at the end of this month," the statement reads. "This decision was not made lightly, and we are so grateful for the support and love you've shown us throughout our journey. We invite you to visit us one last time throughout this last week before we close our doors to share memories and celebrate the wonderful moments we've created together. Thank you for being a part of our story. We will miss you dearly! 💔With love and gratitude, Upperz." In addition to standard coffee and tea offerings, Upperz served various energy drinks and mocktails throughout the day. From a food perspective, the cafe offered a number of cookies, pastries and pies, as well as bar-style dishes like hummus with buttermilk naan, truffle Parmesan fries and beef & pork meatballs. "We'd like to offer healing for the community," Ramon Velazquez told EV Grieve last October before the store's opening. Upperz will remain open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. today through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday before it shutters. New York City Cafe & Bar Closes After Only Six Months first appeared on Men's Journal on May 28, 2025
Business Mayor
08-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
5 foods that could be 'damaging your brain function'
A neuroscientist has detailed five everyday foods that could cause 'damage' to our brain's inner workings and structure. The proverb 'you are what you eat' rings true, highlighting the significant impact our dietary choices have on both our physical appearance and internal well-being. There's an array of online content which delves into the influence our diets have on our bodies, as well as the health of our brain. Many nutrition experts have taken to platforms like TikTok to offer their guidance on crafting healthy meals that are beneficial for both body and psyche. Dr Ramon Velazquez, a consultant and research advisor at Mind Lab Pro, has chimed in with insights about how certain foods could affect cerebral capacity. Dr Velazquez cautioned: 'The damage from poor dietary choices accumulates silently over decades. The foods you eat in your 30s and 40s set the stage for how your brain will function in your 60s, 70s, and beyond.' He pointed out several common foods in our diets that may be doing more harm than good, warning that ongoing consumption could potentially lead to memory issues and a deterioration in cognitive faculties as we age. While moderation is the key to a healthy and varied diet, heeding the advice that follows might just be the ticket to a fitter mind and body. While ready meals and processed snacks may be a quick fix, they're often packed with additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that could lead to a host of health problems. Dr. Velazquez warned: 'Studies have found that people who consume the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods have a 28% faster rate of global cognitive decline. Read More Understanding metabolites underlying eye development 'These foods trigger inflammatory responses that damage the delicate connections between brain cells.' Instead, it might be wise to choose whole foods that haven't been heavily processed, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed meats. High-mercury fish Fish is frequently hailed as a brain booster due to its omega-3 content, but there are some types that prove risky. Larger predatory fish that typically live longer – like shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish – can contain high levels of mercury, a neurotoxin which may accumulate in the body over time. Dr. Velazquez said: 'Mercury is particularly damaging to neural tissue because it can cross the blood-brain barrier. Once inside the brain, it disrupts cellular function and can lead to cognitive impairment over time.' Foods with high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) Charred foods may be tempting, especially during barbecue season, but the browning process creates compounds known as Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs). These compounds, known as AGEs, are formed when proteins or fats combine with sugars, especially during high-temperature cooking methods such as grilling, frying, or broiling. 'AGEs trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain,' explained Dr Velazquez. 'They've been linked to the development of amyloid plaques – the same protein deposits found in Alzheimer's disease.' He recommends opting for cooking methods like steaming, poaching, or stewing, which produce fewer AGEs. Despite Dr Velazquez's advice, many experts, including chef Eva De Angelis, LDN, believe it's all about balance. Speaking to EatingWell, she said: 'It's more important [to focus on] your overall dietary pattern than isolated foods. Read More 'Appalling' NI gynaecology waits under rapid review 'As a general rule, if you have a balanced diet rich in foods high in fibre, protein and healthy fats with a reduced intake of processed and red meat, and foods high in sugar, fat and salt, having the occasional burnt food is okay.' She added: 'There's no denying that charred food tastes good, and it's part of many flavourful dishes and meals. Yet, I try to eat them only on occasion. This way I can enjoy them without putting myself at risk of increasing the chances of chronic diseases.' Artificial sweeteners On the topic of artificial sweeteners, Dr. Velazquez said: 'Recent studies suggest that certain artificial sweeteners can alter gut bacteria in ways that may promote inflammation. This inflammation can affect cognitive function and potentially increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.' Instead of reaching for artificial sweeteners, natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup could be worth a go. It's also beneficial to try to gradually reduce your sweet tooth by slowly cutting back on these. Excessive alcohol While many Brits enjoy a tipple to unwind, excessive alcohol can wreak havoc on the brain. Dr Velazquez said: 'Long-term heavy drinking causes the brain to shrink in volume. 'It particularly affects the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision-making and rational thought.' So if you do indulge, moderation is key. The neuroscientist highlighted that while the brain is 'incredibly resilient', it's also 'vulnerable' to the effects of inflammatory foods. He warned harmful foods 'interact with genetic risk factors', meaning those with a family history of dementia or Alzheimer's could see the 'onset of symptoms' rapidly 'accelerated' by 'poor dietary choices'. He concluded: 'This is why nutrition needs to be a cornerstone of any brain health strategy, alongside exercise, sleep, and mental stimulation.' READ SOURCE
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Be careful about what you eat! Neuroscientist flags food items that can increase the risk of dementia
Dementia is a nightmare for anyone who is aware of its impact on a person's cognitive abilities. It is commonly experienced by older folks, particularly those above 65 years of age, However, an early onset of dementia can also affect people in their 30s and 40s. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Pakistan reopens Attari-Wagah border to allow stranded citizens in India to return Key Jammu & Kashmir reservoirs' flushing to begin soon Air India sees Pakistan airspace ban costing it $600 mn over 12 months What is dementia? Dementia does not refer to a single disease, but is, instead, an umbrella for a group of symptoms that affect a person's memory, thinking ability, and their mental capacity, greatly impacting their day-to-day life. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease . Several lifestyle habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption and inadequate physical activity, are linked to an increased risk of dementia. Neuroscientist weighs in on eating habits Recently, a neuroscientist flagged some foods that can increase the pace of cognitive decline in a person and may even increase their chances of developing dementia. Ramon Velazquez, who is a research advisor and neuroscience consultant at Mind Lab Pro, has asserted that a person's eating habits shapes their brain's "future". 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Also Read : International Harry Potter Day 2025: Know when Harry Potter TV series is releasing? Here are the food items that he warned about: 1. According to the New York Post, Velazquez said that multiple studies have shown that people consuming "highest amounts" of ultra-processed foods (UFPs) exhibit a 28 per cent faster rate of cognitive decline. Live Events 2. He also drew attention towards Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs). These are harmful compounds that are generated when food is cooked in high-temperatures. As per the New York Post, Velazquez said that AGEs are responsible for oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. 3. While fishes are generally considered as a healthy protein option, some species like swordfish and sharks, among others, are known to be naturally contaminated with harmful levels of mercury. Velazquez explained the harmful impact of mercury, noting that it is "particularly damaging to neural tissue". He suggests that people switch to smaller fishes that don't contain toxic levels of the chemical element. 4. The neuroscientist also noted that some recent studies have suggested a few specific artificial sweeteners that can alter gut bacteria in a manner which may lead to inflammation, which, in turn, can impact a person's cognitive abilities. This may also increase the chances of developing neurodegenerative disorders, he added. Also Read : With the Papal Conclave approaching, here are some must-know facts about this historic event FAQs 1. What is Dementia? "Dementia" is an umbrella term. It is used to describe a group of symptoms that primarily impact memory and thinking ability in humans. 2 . Which is Alzheimer's? It is the most prevalent form of dementia.
New York Post
02-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
5 foods that can damage your brain and increase your dementia risk — and what to swap them for
Are you really gonna eat that? A neuroscientist is sounding the alarm about five foods that can accelerate cognitive decline, even increasing your odds of developing dementia. The good news is that he's also offering up some easy swaps and better ways to consume. Advertisement 'What you eat not only affects your waistline — it also shapes your brain's future,' says Dr. Ramon Velazquez, a neuroscience consultant and research advisor at Mind Lab Pro, a pioneer in brain health offering the world's first universal nootropic designed to boost mental performance. 6 According to Velazquez, we should be concerned about brain health at every age, and edit our dinner plates accordingly. Pixel-Shot – Forty-two percent of Americans will experience dementia after the age of 55, according to resent research. Several studies have suggested that a diet rich in sugar and saturated fat can contribute to inflammation in the brain, potentially damaging brain cells and raising the risk of dementia. According to Velazquez, every meal is an opportunity to protect or damage our neural connections. Advertisement 'The brain is incredibly resilient, but it's also vulnerable to the constant barrage of inflammatory foods in the typical Western diet. And unlike other organs, the brain has a limited ability to repair itself once damage occurs.' Velazquez stressed that we should be concerned about brain health at every age, and edit our dinner plates accordingly. 'The damage from poor dietary choices accumulates silently over decades. The foods you eat in your 30s and 40s set the stage for how your brain will function in your 60s, 70s, and beyond. If you have a family history of dementia or Alzheimer's, poor dietary choices can accelerate the onset of symptoms by years or even decades.' Advertisement Alongside exercise, adequate rest, and mental stimulation, nutrition is critical in keeping the brain healthy as we age. What are the worst foods you can consume for cognitive health? 1. Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) 6 Swap UPFs for fresh, whole, or minimally processed foods. BGStock72 – Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) contain high levels of sugar, salt additives, preservatives, artificial ingredients, and unhealthy fats; these convenient, packaged goods create inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. Advertisement 'Studies have found that people who consume the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods have a 28% faster rate of global cognitive decline,' explained Velazquez. 'These foods trigger inflammatory responses that damage the delicate connections between brain cells.' Believed to make up over 70% of the US food supply, prior research has linked exposure to UPFs to 32 poor health outcomes, including a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Type 2 diabetes, and even premature death. A 2022 study published in Neurology found that for every 10% increase in daily intake of highly processed foods, the risk of dementia increased by 25%. To battle back, Velazquez suggests swapping UPFs for fresh, whole, or minimally processed foods. 2. Foods cooked with high heat 6 AGEs, produced by high heat cooking methods, trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. Artem Shadrin – When food is cooked at high temperatures via grilling, frying, or broiling, it creates compounds called Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs). 'AGEs trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain,' Velazquez said. 'They've been linked to the development of amyloid plaques – the same protein deposits found in Alzheimer's disease.' Advertisement Rather than opting for high heat cooking, he recommends methods like steaming, poaching, or stewing, which produce fewer AGEs. Another way to reduce the formation of AGEs is to marinate food in acidic elements like lemon juice or vinegar before cooking. 3. High-Mercury Fish 6 According to the FDA, eating seafood is the most common way to be exposed to mercury in the US. Picture Partners – While fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals, some species, namely larger predators like sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, contain dangerous levels of mercury that accumulate in the body over time. Advertisement According to the FDA, eating seafood is the most common way to be exposed to mercury in the US. 'Mercury is particularly damaging to neural tissue because it can cross the blood-brain barrier,' said Velazquez. 'Once inside the brain, it disrupts cellular function and can lead to cognitive impairment over time.' Velazquez recommends swapping big fish for smaller varieties like salmon, trout, and sardines, which deliver brain-healthy omega-3s without toxic mercury levels. 4. Alcohol 6 According to the Surgeon General and other experts, there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink. maeching – Advertisement When you booze, Velazquez warned, the brain loses. 'Long-term heavy drinking causes the brain to shrink in volume. It particularly affects the prefrontal cortex – the area responsible for decision-making and rational thought.' Alcohol can also contribute to obesity, a 'gateway disease' to a multitude of cancers and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Advertisement According to the Surgeon General and other experts, there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink, and any amount can cause damage to the brain. While going teetotal is preferable, if you are going to imbibe, pair alcohol with food, eliminate artificially flavored mixers, and opt for a few sober days each week to allow the brain time to recover. 5. Artificial Sweeteners 6 Velazquez suggests trading toxic artificial sweeteners for natural options like honey or maple syrup. sushytska – While zero-calorie sweeteners are marketed as a healthy alternative to sugar, research has proven they are anything but. 'Recent studies suggest that certain artificial sweeteners can alter gut bacteria in ways that may promote inflammation,' noted Velazquez. 'This inflammation can affect cognitive function and potentially increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.' The non-sugar, low-calorie sweetener aspartame has been linked to potential problems with memory and learning, while other studies have revealed that long-term use of artificial sweeteners may heighten the risk of stroke, heart disease, and even premature death. Velazquez suggests trading toxic artificial sweeteners for natural options like honey or maple syrup.
Irish Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
These five foods can destroy your brain health, says neuroscience expert
Neuroscience experts have been busy studying how what we eat can affect not just our waistlines, but our brains - and they have come back with some shocking results. One expert has revealed five foods that can destroy brain health by damaging brain cells, increasing inflammation, and can significantly impact cognitive abilities in decades to come. While we spend our hard earned money on brain training apps, supplements and gym memberships - where our sporting endeavours have both physical and mental benefits - we might be undoing all that good work by accelerating our cognitive aging with what's on our dinner plate. Dietary choices, particularly in our 30s and 40s, can have a hugely negative impact on our brain health. According to Dr. Ramon Velazquez, Neuroscience Consultant and Research Advisor at Mind Lab Pro, certain foods can actively damage the brain's structure and function. And the danger is that these foods potentially set the stage for memory problems and cognitive decline years before symptoms appear. Here are the worst offenders in our diet that could be silently damaging our brains, and what we should eat instead. Those convenient packaged snacks and ready meals aren't just expanding your waistline – they're shrinking your brain. Ultra-processed foods contain a cocktail of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that promote inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. 'Studies have found that people who consume the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods have a 28 percent faster rate of global cognitive decline,' explains Dr. Velazquez. 'These foods trigger inflammatory responses that damage the delicate connections between brain cells.' Instead, opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed meats that don't require a chemistry degree to understand their ingredients list. Fish is often touted as brain food thanks to its omega-3 content, but certain species can do more harm than good. Larger predatory fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish contain dangerous levels of mercury, a neurotoxin that accumulates in the body over time. 'Mercury is particularly damaging to neural tissue because it can cross the blood-brain barrier,' says Dr. Velazquez. 'Once inside the brain, it disrupts cellular function and can lead to cognitive impairment over time.' Swap these high-mercury options for smaller fish like salmon, trout, and sardines. These alternatives are rich in brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids without the toxic mercury levels. That perfectly charred steak might look delicious, but the browning process creates compounds called Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs). These harmful compounds form when proteins or fats combine with sugars, particularly when food is cooked at high temperatures through grilling, frying, or broiling. 'AGEs trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain,' Dr. Velazquez explains. 'They've been linked to the development of amyloid plaques – the same protein deposits found in Alzheimer's disease.' Try methods like steaming, poaching, or stewing, which produce fewer AGEs. Marinating meat in acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar before cooking can also reduce AGE formation. Those zero-calorie sweeteners might seem like a smart choice for your waistline, but they could be tricking more than just your taste buds. Growing evidence suggests some artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on the gut microbiome, which plays a central role in brain health through the gut-brain axis. 'Recent studies suggest that certain artificial sweeteners can alter gut bacteria in ways that may promote inflammation,' notes Dr. Velazquez. 'This inflammation can affect cognitive function and potentially increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.' Instead of artificial sweeteners, try small amounts of natural options like honey or maple syrup. Or better yet, gradually reduce your preference for sweetness by slowly cutting back on all sweeteners. While a glass of red wine occasionally might offer some benefits, heavy drinking is undeniably toxic to the brain. Alcohol directly damages brain cells and interferes with communication pathways, affecting how the brain works. 'Long-term heavy drinking causes the brain to shrink in volume,' warns Dr. Velazquez. 'It particularly affects the prefrontal cortex – the area responsible for decision-making and rational thought.' If you drink, aim to keep it moderate – that means up to one drink daily for women and up to two for men, according to health guidelines. And make sure to include several alcohol-free days each week to give your brain a chance to recover. According to Dr Velazquez, the food choices we make in our 30s and 40s can affect how our brain will function in our 60s and beyond. 'The brain is incredibly resilient, but it's also vulnerable to the constant barrage of inflammatory foods in the typical Western diet,' he says. 'Every meal is an opportunity either to protect your neural connections or to damage them. And unlike other organs, the brain has limited ability to repair itself once damage occurs. 'Most concerning is how these harmful foods interact with genetic risk factors. 'If you have a family history of dementia or Alzheimer's, poor dietary choices can accelerate the onset of symptoms by years or even decades. 'This is why nutrition needs to be a cornerstone of any brain health strategy, alongside exercise, sleep, and mental stimulation.' # Mind Lab Pro is a pioneer in brain health offering the world's first universal nootropic designed to boost mental performance.
