Fueling your body with healthy foods rich in vitamins is important at any age. June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and we are focused on not only treating Alzheimer’s but also how to prevent it. The best prevention starts with what you put in your mouth. That’s right you are what you eat, and what you eat can change who you are! In honor of Alzheimer’s month, below we have listed 8 superfoods packed with nutrients to boost your brain!
- Salmon – High in fatty acids and omega-3s, salmon is the perfect food for a brain boost! Salmon is not the only fish that will give your brain a boost, fish high in fatty acids like trout, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Blueberries – High in antioxidants, blueberries have been found to accumulate in the brain and help improve communication between brain cells. Blueberries aren’t the only berries to indulge in for good brain health, other berries that are high in antioxidants and can boost brain health include strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, and mulberries.
- Coffee – Caffeine is rich in antioxidants, and studies show it can decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s. Researches have also found caffeine causes an increase in brain entropy, which refers to complex and variable brain activity. When entropy is high, the brain can process more information.
- Dark Chocolate – Dark chocolate contains cocoa, also known as cacao, which contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants are especially important for brain health, as the brain is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which contributes to age-related cognitive decline and brain diseases.
- Pumpkin Seeds – Pumpkin seeds contain powerful antioxidants that protect the brain from free radical damage. An excellent source of magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper all nutrients important for brain health.
- Eggs – Good source of vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and folic acid all nutrients proven to boost brain health by preventing brain shrinkage and cognitive decline.
- Nuts – Eating more nuts and seeds may be good for the brain, as these foods contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Nuts and seeds are also sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which protects cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
- Oranges – Vitamin C is crucial in preventing mental decline. You can get your entire days’ worth of vitamin C by eating a medium-sized orange.
Taking care of your brain is important to help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The list above is only the tip of the iceberg for brain-healthy foods. Foods that are proven to help boost your brain include one or more of the following nutrients: antioxidants, B vitamins, healthful fats, and omega fatty acids.
If you or your family member is struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s, we can help. We are a free resource for seniors and their families. Check out how we can help you here: https://www.sunwaysseniorliving.com/
