Keeping your brain in the best health possible is important. As you age, so does your brain, and you may experience what’s called cognitive decline. Basically, your brain doesn’t work as well as it previously did. Some cognitive decline is normal, but some you can prevent.
Although no certain diet is best for brain health, eating nutritious foods may help you to maintain your health and prevent diseases, such as dementia.
To nourish your body and brain:
- Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Studies show that obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol all can increase your risk for dementia.
- Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Antioxidants in green, leafy produce and dark-skinned vegetables may be particularly protective. Try beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, eggplant, kale, red bell peppers, romaine lettuce, or spinach.
- Eat foods with “good” fats (mono- and poly-unsaturated fats), such as olive oil, sunflower oil, avocados, and nuts.
- Avoid saturated fats and cholesterol found in foods such as red meat and whole-milk dairy products. Focus on eating poultry or fish. Also, choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
- Get your omega-3s. Common sources include sardines, tuna, salmon, mackerel, and herring. Try to eat one of these fish once or twice a week.
Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
