Eat Smart; Be Smart

There’s so much promotion in the media about “brain healthy” foods but what is the truth behind the hype?

Can the food you eat help prevent memory loss?  Are there any foods which have been proven to reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s Disease or other type of dementia?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a brain-healthy diet can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes as well as encourage good blood flow to the brain. The brain relies not only good blood flow but also adequate nutrition which includes both protein and sugar to function properly.

Increasing the quantity of fruits and vegetables in one’s diet will provide not only needed nutrients but also may reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke as well as help to protect brain cells.

Here’s a suggested shopping list of “brain healthy” foods :

Dark-skinned fruits and vegetables such as eggplant, beets, broccoli, red bell peppers, onions, spinach, kale, prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, plums, grapes, cherries, oranges and strawberries carry high levels of antioxidants.

Cold water fish such as halibut, mackerel, salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Certain nuts including almonds, pecans and walnuts provide vitamin E which is an antioxidant.

While eating foods rich in antioxidants help to promote brain heath, there is not yet any conclusive evidence as to what quantities of these foods is the most beneficial in promoting brain health.

But what is known is that proper nutrition, good weight control and exercise can help protect brain cells and reduce the chances of diabetes which has been found to double the one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Be health smart and make smart choices!