Too much overeating is bad for mental health. Researchers in Arizona in the United States have found that a person over the age of 70 who eats too much doubles the risk of their memory declining. In the sights of scientists, the “big eaters” include those who consume more than 2,100 calories per day. These gourmands would be more exposed to the risk of mild cognitive impairment, this intermediate stage between normal memory loss related to age and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Conversely, people who maintain a low-calorie diet at an advanced age would do well in preventing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. >> More info on Alzheimer’s disease.
More than 2,100 calories per day, risk threshold
The eating habits and alcohol consumption of 1,200 seniors aged 70 to 89 have been scrutinized by scientists. This panel of volunteers who did not suffer from Alzheimer’s disease was then subjected to tests of memory. All the participants in this study were divided into three categories: heavy eaters, who consumed 2,100 to 6,000 calories per day, “average” appetites, with 1,500 to 2,100 calories per day, and finally the third group. , that of small appetites with 600 to 1,500 calories per day.
A total of 163 patients presented with memory impairment during the experiment. The researchers found that the risk was twice as high in people who ate the most calories.
A diet low in calories
“The more calories we consume daily, the more risk we run of having cognitive disorders,” concludes Dr. Yonas Geda, the main author of the study, interviewed by the Daily Mail. The solution ? “Cutting back on calories and eating healthy foods is still the easiest way to prevent age-related memory loss.”
Unsurprisingly, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly is the perfect combination to delay the onset of chronic disease and dementia.
To age in good health, older people are advised to follow these dietary recommendations: eat four meals during the day (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner), consume protein with each meal, with an emphasis on fish , dairy products and eggs, more than meat.
Also important are foods rich in calcium to prevent osteoporosis, as well as fibers and vitamins, found in grains, fruits and vegetables. Finally, do not forget to drink at least 1 liter or even 1.5 liters of water per day, to avoid dehydration, the feeling of thirst tending to decrease with age.
Of course, we avoid excess sugars and alcohol, foods too rich in fat, dangerous for the cholesterol. >> To read also: Food and anti-cholesterol recipes
