IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME!

We all know that we are what we eat, literally, but how many of us know the health benefits of eating like a Greek?  According to a recent Daily Herald article (February 6, 2011), a heart-friendly Mediteranean diet – fish, vegetables, fruit, nuts and beans - reduced Alzheimer’s risk by 34 percent to 48 percent in studies conducted by Columbia University.  Data from several large studies suggest that older people who eat the most fruits and vegetables, especially the leafy green variety, may experience a slower rate of cognitive decline and a lower risk for dementia than meat lovers.  And it may not matter if you get your produce from a bottle instead of a bin.  A study from Vanderbilt University found that people who drank three or more servings of fruit or vegetable juice a week had a 76 percent lower risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who drank less than a serving weekly.  Another benefit that you may not have thought of is the stimulation from chewing fruits and vegetables is great for your gums.  It does not replace flossing, (sorry), but eating a piece of fruit after meals can help to flush debris and cleanse your mouth…It’s easy to incorporate small habits that will make a great difference!