Eating a healthy diet is just one way to extend your years and improve your quality of life. We all have heard that we are what we eat, and there is more than just some truth to that adage. Certain foods contain more of the nutrients and minerals that help to keep our bodies in great shape. If you intake a memory supplement daily, the same would also act as a balancer to keep your brain in shape.
Your brain is the most important part of your body. Shouldn’t we all know what parts of our diet are focused on keeping our brains healthy? Seniors are especially concerned with the foods that can maintain and improve their cognitive health. With the increasing number of baby boomers being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia, it’s not surprising that seniors are trying to find ways to keep their brains healthy.
There are thousands of retirement communities that make it their mandate to include a nutritious menu that includes many examples of brain-healthy foods. You could also use a delivery service of your choice, that combines nutritional science and culinary excellence to bring you heat-and-serve dishes that follow diets such as paleo, ketogenic, and low-carb, and give your body and mind the nutrients needed to perform at their peak. It doesn’t have to be expensive too. For example “Factor 75” is offering currently some great savings “$90 Off Now“. Let’s take a look at a few powerful foods that will keep your brain healthy and strong.
Leafy Greens
Learning to love salads is a great way to get the brain nutrients that you need to stave off age-related forgetfulness and memory loss. Vegetables like kale and spinach are packed full of vitamins B6 and B12 that help to reduce levels of homocysteine levels which are often the cause of memory issues. Leafy greens are also high in iron which is great for the whole body. Iron deficiencies can cause cognitive issues, so fill up at the salad bar and keep your brain healthy.
Whole Grains
If you want to improve your memory, you need to ditch the bleached white processed flour products and get back to the more natural whole grains. Whole wheat, brown rice, and barley all contain the power vitamin Thiamine which helps to improve memory. They are also high in vitamin B6, which is known to help increase blood circulation to the brain.
Oysters
If you love seafood then you’ll be thrilled to hear that oysters are powerful brain food. Oysters are not only delicious, especially on the half-shell, but they are full of iron and zinc. Both of these minerals have been found to help keep the brain strong, assist in maintaining memory recall and keep your mind sharp. Seniors that have a deficiency in iron and zinc are more than twice as likely to develop some manner of cognitive issues.
Eggs
There has been much debate over whether or not eggs are a healthy part of any diet. While eggs may contain high levels of cholesterol if eaten too often, they also contain loads of vitamin B12 and Choline. Alzheimer’s patients often suffer from brain atrophy which is a physical shrinking of the brain tissues. Vitamin B12 can help fight against that condition. Choline is found in egg yolks and is helpful in memory retention.
Curry
For those that love more flavor and flair in their diet, adding curry to your favorite recipes could be great for your brain health. Curry contains a compound called curcumin that is a powerful antioxidant that will help to maintain your immune and brain health. Antioxidants work by fighting free radicals in the body that can cause cell deterioration. While the curry may be delicious, you don’t need to overdo it. A nice curry-based meal once or twice a month or a daily supplement is all you need for your brain to stay strong.
Nuts and Seeds
If you love to snack, you probably reach for a bag of chips or a donut. While both are delicious, they don’t do anything to help you maintain your health. Switch out the junk food for nuts and seeds as a brain-healthy snack. All nuts and seeds are tiny little bundles of vitamins and nutrients. They are packed full of omega-3 fatty acids which are a powerful antioxidant and antidepressant along with helping to maintain cognitive health.
Fish
Seafood lovers have the advantage of already eating many of the foods that are healthy for your brain. Fish is a great source of protein and vitamins. It also contains many fatty acids that help aid brain function. The neurons that carry information from your brain can get sluggish when your diet doesn’t include enough fatty acids to coat them and help them move freely. Fish is also a great source of omega-3s that help to provide a stronger oxygen flow to the brain.
Chocolate
Chocolate is great for your brain. Who knew that such delicious food would also be great for your brain? The cocoa bean has many healing benefits and just happens to taste like a bite of heaven. The flavonoids found in dark chocolate have been found to increase circulation to your brain helping you fight off cognitive issues. Let yourself indulge in your favorite chocolaty treat once a week.
Berries
If you aren’t a huge fan of vegetables but still want to add more brain-healthy vitamins and nutrients to your diet, you can try adding half a cup of berries to your daily diet. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are all full of rich nutrients that are great for your cognitive health. Berries of all varieties are full of antioxidants which can help maintain your cognitive health.
Tea
Skip the cup of Joe in the morning and switch over to tea to help keep your brain strong and healthy. Green and black varieties of tea are full of catechins that keep your brain sharp and functioning properly. Catechins will also help to fight off brain fatigue and is an excellent option to help get you going in the morning.
Our brains are the most essential organ in our bodies and should be treated with care and respect. If you are starting to find that you are more forgetful, or have trouble recalling simple facts and memories, you may want to start with a change in your diet. Add some of these powerful superfoods to your daily menu to help keep your brain strong.
