We are what we eat

You've heard it since you were a kid; you are what you eat. Here are some recent research scientists have come up with regarding how your diet influences your health.

Fish and Exercise
Finnish researchers discovered that fish-eaters are less likely to have symptoms of depression. Many fish are high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and especially one fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (or DHA), which is essential for optimum brain function. As for exercise, it is well known that exercise stimulates the release of endomorphins- natural pain-killing chemicals that also act as a natural antidepressant. According to the American Psychological Association, exercise can definitely thwart the blues. Just five weeks of mild-to-moderate aerobic exercise has been shown to relieve depression.

Eggs For The Eyes
According to research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, "Eggs are not the unhealthy foods they were once thought to be. Not only are they an inexpensive source of high-quality protein...nutrients found in eggs may improve memory retention in developing fetuses and vision in adults." Eggs contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which can lower the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. 

Grapes, Nuts and a Healthy Prostate
Scientists have now discovered another prostate cancer deterrent: The mineral boron. Red wine, grapes, almonds, peanuts and certain fruits all contain boron, which may help stave off prostate cancer. A study showed that men who ingested the highest amount of boron were 64 percent less likely to get prostate cancer, as compared with men who consumed the least amount of the mineral.