10/24/08 Beef for the brain

If you're a vegetarian, cover your ears quick because I'm going to tell you beef is good for your brain. I'm Jeff Keane; if you didn't get your ears covered in time you might as well hear the details right after this. Beef is good for your brain as well as the rest of your body. Scientists have discovered that those with a meat-free diet are six times more likely to experience brain shrinkage. This is because the best natural sources for vitamin B12 are meat, especially liver; milk and fish. Oxford University researchers conducted memory tests, physical checks and brain scans when examining 107 people between the ages of 61 and 87. These volunteers were then re-examined five years later. Scientists found individuals with the lowest vitamin B12 levels were the most likely to show brain shrinkage. This investigation verified earlier research revealing a link between brain atrophy and low levels of vitamin B12. Insufficient levels of this vitamin can also contribute to anemia and inflammation of the nervous system. To be fair I must also tell you yeast extracts are one of the few vegetarian foods with good levels of vitamin B12. Now, some people will say I'll just take a pill or ask my doctor for a B12 shot. That's ok, but for me it's a lot more satisfying to eat the three ounces of delicious beef that provide excellent amounts of B12 and many more nutrients. Hey, I might even eat more than three ounces. I'm Jeff Keane. ASI 9/19/08