Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive disease that affects one’s memory and cognitive abilities, for which there is no cure. For those with family members who suffer from Alzheimer’s, it is often a scary and emotional experience to have to watch your loved one gradually forget all that he or she once held dear. Although there is no cure for this disease, it is actually easier to prevent that many believed it to be. If your family has a history of Alzheimer’s or if you are simply worried about the risks of developing it, making some simple modifications can help decrease your chances.
Here are some brain-healthy foods you should incorporate into your diet to improve your mind:
1.Eat your greens: Leafy greens like kale, spinach, collard and mustard greens are high in folate and B9, which can improve one’s cognition and even reduce depression.
2.Load up on veggies: Cruciferous vegetables contain folate and have carotenoids that lower homo-cysteine, which is an amino acid that has been linked to cognitive impairment. Broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, brussels sprouts, and kale are all cruciferous vegetables.
3.Have some beans or legumes: These types of foods also contain folate, in addition to iron, magnesium, and potassium, which help the general functions of the body as well as neuron firing. Beans and legumes also contain choline, a B vitamin that has the capacity to boost acetylcholine, which is essential for brain function.
4.Enjoy some whole grains: No, this does not mean you should reach for a loaf of bread or a bowl of cereal. Instead, you will want to opt for quinoa, kammut, and gluten-free oats.
5.Delicious fruits are also key: Fruits like berries and cherries contain anthocyanin, which protects the brain from damage caused by free radicals. They are also heavy in anti-inflammatory properties, loaded with antioxidants, and have lots vitamins C and E.
6.More veggies to improve cognition: Other vegetables that can help with cognition include pumpkin, squash, asparagus, tomatoes, carrots, and beets. However, to get the most of them, it is crucial to not overcook them. They contain vitamin A, folate, and iron.
7.Healthy fats: Not all fats are bad for you. In fact, daily consumption of omega 3s has been shown to reduce the risk of brain lesions that cause dementia by 26%. You can find these fatty acids in fish, flax seeds, olive oil, or in a quality omega 3 supplement.
8.Snack on nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, and pecans all contain omega 3s, omega 6s, vitamin E, folate, vitamin B6, and magnesium. Seeds like sunflower and pumpkin seeds contain zinc, choline, vitamin E.
9.Spice up your life: Spices like cinnamon, sage, turmeric, and cumin all help break up brain plaque and reduce inflammation of the brain.
In addition to these dietary modifications, it is critical to decrease your risk of certain illnesses that can make your brain age, including obesity and diabetes. Avoiding unnecessary stress, too much added sugar, alcohol, drugs, and caffeine can also help improve your health.
King Street Rehab’s Holistic Services
At King Street Rehab, we focus on the whole person and provide holistic care and luxurious accommodations. We understand that it is important for you to find the perfect place for you or your loved one to heal, which is why our team of professionals is dedicated to providing care that is individualized, not institutionalized.
Some of our world-class services include short-term rehabilitation, 24-hour long-term care, personal and community activities, and healthy gourmet meals.
To learn more about the services our state-of-the-art facility provides, call us at (914) 600-7149 today.