Summary:
Concerning dieting and cognition, Van
Praag (2009) found that limited intake reduced the risk of attention deficit. The intake of a variety of dietary supplements
enhanced learning for both animals and humans.
Specifically, fish oil, teas, fruits, folate, spices, and vitamin
improved cognitive functions. While
results were only found in rats, particular foods that increased memory are
plant-derives foods like grapes, blueberries, strawberries, tea, and cocoa. Van Praag hypotheses that flavanol in
plant-derived foods are the primary ingredient responsible for this increase in
cognition. When dieting is combined with
exercise, epicatechin is very effective in enhancing memory and synaptic
plasticity.
Exercise is
also an effective mechanism to increase cognition. Past studies have shown that exercise
enhances neurogenesis. Neurogenesis
refers to the generation of neurons and connections, or synapses, between those
neurons. An increase in the number of
neurons and synapses equates to an increase in memory generation, memory
recall, and learning. Most
interestingly, most of the neurogenesis occurs in the hippocampus, the area of
the brain most responsible for learning and memory. As shown by the diagram, diet and exercise
work simultaneously to enhance cognitive functions.
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Diagram of diet & exercise effects on cognition. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2680508/
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Critique:
Assuming that
brain cognition does benefit intelligence analysis in some fashion, diet and
exercise does improve cognition (thus intelligence analysis). It appears that analysts would benefit most
from a high-fruit diet combined with regular exercise. The duration, frequency, and intensity of
exercise are unknown, especially since many of Van Praag’s conclusions are
based on rats. However, the genetic similarities
between humans and rats, as uncomfortable an idea that is to some, may provide enough
grounds for analysts to improve their wellness.
Source:
Van Praag, H.
(2009, May 12). Exercise and the brain: something to chew on. Retrieved October
14, 2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2680508/
Posts
Kyle, were there any particular exercises the study examined?
ReplyDeleteAlso, could share how this article defined as exercise?
They did not define what constitutes as exercise, and only rats were examined - thus my comment "The duration, frequency, and intensity of exercise are unknown, especially since many of Van Praag’s conclusions are based on rats."
DeleteKyle,
ReplyDeletein Van Praag's study, did he address or examine high protein diets? Many power lifters, including myself, use high protein diets to supplement our workouts. Was there any evidence of decreased performance or was it just not addressed in the study?
It was not addressed. Physiologically, I don't know have much of role protein has in neurogenesis, so that would be something you could look up.
DeleteKyle, did the study state how much dietary supplements were needed to increase cognitive function?
ReplyDeleteI do not remember a recommended intake being included.
Delete