It’s increasingly clear that your diet significantly impacts your health. There are multiple studies and testimonies showing how healthy diets lower the risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc. Well now, science has shown that what you eat can also directly impact your brain health. Cognitive decline and the risk for Alzheimer ’s disease or dementia can be reduced simply by eating the right foods. So, are you interested in preserving your mental health? Here are a few foods you should consider including in your diet.
Spinach
Spinach keeps your brain sharp! So sharp, that your brain will function like it’s five years younger, and you just might be able to complete your crosswords in pen. Studies have shown that 3 or more servings of leafy greens (such as spinach, kale, and collard greens) per day significantly delay mental decline due to aging by slowing it as much as 40%.[1]
Berries
Similar to spinach, berries help slow down natural mental decline. Berries work to rid the body of toxic proteins that are associated with age-related memory loss.[2] Blueberries specifically can help to protect the brain from oxidative stress and also may reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age related conditions.[3]
Fish
Try adding some salmon, mackerel, and tuna to your diet. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is important to the normal functioning of neurons.[4] Neurons or nerve cells are basic units of the nervous system with approximately 100 billion residing in your brain. Healthy neurons means a healthy brain.
What’s the best diet over all? In individuals in their 70s who stick to a Mediterranean-style diet paired with an active lifestyle are 60% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who don’t.[5] A Mediterranean diet focuses on eating fruits, veggies, legumes, good fats and fish. Next time you’re at the grocery store or headed out for a bite to eat, look for these options and eat your way to a better healthier brain.
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[1] my.clevelandclinic.org
[2] health.com/health/gallery/0,,20434658,00.html/view-all
[3] webmd.com/diet/features/eat-smart-healthier-brain#2
[4] health.com/health/gallery/0,,20434658,00.html/view-all
[5] my.clevelandclinic.org