Eat for pleasure. Eat to satisfy hunger. Eat for social reasons. But eat for brain health? Recent research demonstrates a significant impact of our daily food choices on our general well-being and on our brain!
Try adding these “smart” foods into your daily meals or snacks to increase your chance of a healthy brain into old age.
Blueberries
Dr. Steven Pratt, from Scripps Hospital in California, refers to this fruit as “brainberries!” Animal studies have led to increased learning capacity and decrease in age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Wild Salmon
The omega-3 essential fatty acids in deep water fish contain anti-inflammatory substances as well as providing the necessary nutrition for daily brain functions, according to Dr. Ann Kulze and Dr. Pratt.
Nuts and seeds
Do you need Vitamin E? Nuts, such as walnut, Brazil nuts, cashews and peanuts may provide the nutrient directly associated with less cognitive decline. Avocados offer a healthy amount of the “good” fat, monounsaturated fat. This contributes to an efficient blood flow through the body, on which the brain and the heart are dependent. An added benefit is its impact on lower blood pressure. Beans provide the brain with a stable supply of glucose. Since the brain fully depends on glucose and cannot store it, it relies on a continuous supply. Kulze prefers black beans and lentels, although any beans will suffice.
The remaining Five Super Foods which round out the list are:
Whole grains
Pomegranate juice
Freshly brewed tea
Dark chocolate
To learn more, please go to: www.webmd.com.