For many of us over 50 one of our biggest worries is what seems to be increasing issues across the population with mental acuity.
Every day we hear more and more about things like Dementia & Alzheimer's. There is no
doubt both are on the increase and many wonder why that is.
One answer our diet… Simply put the Standard American Diet which focuses on tons of sugar and alcohol bears much of the blame. Piling all that garbage into our bodies day after day doesn't just affect our waistlines it’s affecting our brains ability to function too.
Which is why fixing your diet isn’t just about how your clothes fit. It’s just as much maybe more so about keeping your mind fit.
Are you looking for foods that will help keep your mind as sharp as when you were young?
Are there even foods that can help with such a thing?
Yes, there are many healthy food options that you can eat and will directly benefit your brain cells!
Foods rich in compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can boost your memory and overall brain health.
From fish, to fruits and to vegetables, here is a list of six food items that, based on health studies, will help keep your mind “young”:
Carrots - Carrots are one of the best food items that not only improve our eyesight but are also good for our brain health. They're rich in a compound called luteolin which reduces age-related memory disorders and brain inflammation. Foods such as celery, olive oil and peppers also contain high levels of luteolin.
Fish - Some studies have shown that fish oil supplements do not help reduce the cognitive decline in people with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Others have shown that fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are excellent treatment options that can help reduce typical cognitive decline related to old age. Fish rich in vitamin B12 can also aid in the protection against Alzheimer's.
Walnuts - Even the shape of a walnut resembles a little brain! This might make you think that it's Mother Nature’s way of telling us that the primary benefit of walnuts is boosting our brain health.
And that’s not wrong! A 2009 study in the Journal of Nutrition has shown that diets containing walnuts reduce up to 2 percent of the aging signs in aging rats' brains. This includes the brain's ability to process information and function effectively.
Another study conducted in 2010 and presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease shows that rats with Alzheimer's exhibited improved motor coordination, learning and memory after feeding on walnuts.
Nuts are rich in antioxidants, which some studies have shown are useful to combat damage to brain cells' DNA resulting from free radicals in human bodies.
Berries - Several studies have shown the importance of adding some vitamin-rich berries to one’s diet to boost their memory.Berries can treat slight memory deficits, enhance learning and recall abilities. They also help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
Caffeinated Drinks - Tea and coffee serve a lot of purposes other than keeping you awake while you fight through the mid-morning slump. Some studies have shown that caffeinated drinks also help boost cognitive function and prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Tea also serves protective purposes on the brain. If you are a tea drinker, you can usually do better on memory and information processing tests compared to non-tea consumers.
Spinach - It is likely that your mom fed you with spinach as a child and still urges you to add them to your diet every day. Spinach contains mind-boosting supplements that can keep your mind “young”, even as you age. These green leafy vegetables are high in vitamins C and E which are vital in improving and maintaining your cognitive abilities.
These food items are great for keeping your mind fresh and young. Always include them in your diet and never let a day go by without eating foods rich in omega-3 and vitamins C and E.
If you hadn't realized how important your diet is until now, it's still not too late to start including some or all of these suggestions in your daily routine!
Comments