Living a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a nutritious diet and regular exercise is integral to defending your body against a wide range of health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but few people seem to consider that these choices can also help prevent Alzheimer's disease. While eating healthy isn't necessarily an Alzheimer's treatment, there are dietary choices you can make to help benefit your brain health in general. Over a lifetime, smart eating choices can help you stay sharp and protect your cognitive ability. Here are five foods that can particularly boost your brain power:
1. Blueberries
Research from Tufts University suggests that blueberries may be able to reverse short-term memory loss, as well as better issues with balance. Luckily, blueberries can be found year round at most grocery stores and produce outlets. What's more, with the juice craze in full swing, you'll likely be able to find blueberry juice or smoothies that contain a heavy portion of this delicious fruit. Consider adding blueberries to a fresh spinach (another brain-healthy food) salad for a nutritious meal perfect for any time of year.
2. Nuts
A wide body of research points to omega-3 fatty acids providing numerous brain benefits, especially in regard to memory and cognitive function. Forbes notes that walnuts are a particularly good source of omega-3s, and that unlike salmon, you can enjoy them on a daily basis. Remember that spinach salad you were topping with blueberries? Chopped walnuts are another great addition, and will add some balance to the sweetness of the fruit.
"Broccoli is loaded with antioxidants and fiber, making it a well-rounded vegetable to include in your regular diet."
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is high in Vitamin K, which has been shown to positively affect cognition, according to San Francisco Gate. Moreover, broccoli is loaded with antioxidants and fiber, making it a well-rounded vegetable to include in your regular diet. Broccoli can easily be added to soup or salad or steamed as a side to complement fish, poultry or red meat. Make this delicious, cruciferous green a part of your daily meal plan to stay sharp and improve your all-around health.
4. Olive oil
According to Monell Chemical Senses Center, a compound found in extra virgin olive oil may be beneficial in fighting off proteins that induce Alzheimer's disease. The source notes that these proteins, called ADDLs, are suspected to disrupt nerve cell function, therefore damaging memory and cognitive function. Fortunately, it's extremely easy to use olive oil in your daily cooking. Substitute olive oil for butter or shortening when you grease a pan, and opt for healthy Mediterranean dishes in which olive oil is often a staple ingredient.
5. Curry
Curry is renowned as a brain-healthy food primarily due to the inclusion of tumeric, which is high in the chemical curcumin. This compound is lauded for boosting memory, slowing the onset of Alzheimer's disease and even reducing inflammation. Try making a delicious coconut curry chicken with a side of broccoli, and incorporate all of these ingredients into your normal diet to make your brain power a long-term priority.
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