Sunday, 25 March 2018

Foods That Help Preserve the Aging Brain

The ‘Brain’ is a complex and fascinating organ of human body that scientists have been striving to understand for centuries. We all want to maintain a clear, active mind throughout our lifespan. However, multiple changes occur within our brain as we age. These include decreased blood flow because of changes in the blood vessels, increased damage from free radicals, and changes in the neurons which impact communication between cells. In addition to all of these changes, the brain also becomes susceptible to various memory-related diseases. One of the best ways to keep the aging brain sharp is to have the right diet. Food has a powerful effect on our brain, especially as we age. There are a few foods that are known to boost memory and brain function and some of them are mentioned below.
  • Vegetables: You’ve probably been told this throughout your life, but it’s true. Vegetables hold the minerals and vitamins our bodies need to thrive. Eat lots of fresh vegetables, especially the cruciferous ones like cabbage, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables for improved memory.
  • Berries: Berries, especially the dark ones, such as cherries, blueberries, and blackberries which are a great source of Anthocyanins and flavonoids that boost memory function.
  • Walnuts: Walnuts not only improve hearth health, but also boost cognitive function. Next time you’re looking for a snack, consider walnuts in order to satisfy your midday hunger instead of grabbing a packet of unhealthy fried potato chips. You can also add walnuts to your salad or oatmeal, grind them up to add to a smoothie for a nutty and complex flavor, or even sprinkle toasted chopped walnuts over cooked veggies.
  • Egg Yolks: Egg yolks are rich in choline, a B-complex vitamin which helps boost brain health. Choline is first converted into acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which sharpens memory and allows the brain cells to communicate more effectively.
  • Salmon: Salmon is rich in DHA and Omega-3’s. While DHA helps reduce brain shrinkage which comes with aging, Omega-3’s controls inflammation in the brain and Oxidative stress which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. For an extra boost, consider coating them in walnuts when roasting the fillets.

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