What foods are good for brain health?
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Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:As with many parts of your body, your brain is subject to inflammation and oxidation, both of which can compromise functioning and contribute to aging. Emerging research suggests a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods can help keep your brain healthy.
Good food choices for brain health include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Focusing on strongly flavored and darkly colored fruits and vegetables also enhances the health-promoting benefits. Add more dark green vegetables or orange fruits, along with vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and onions and garlic. Healthy fats like oils and nuts can also keep your brain healthy.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulAs with many parts of your body, your brain is subject to inflammation and oxidation, both of which can compromise functioning and contribute to aging. Emerging research suggests a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods can... More -
RealAge answered:Eat these five important foods every day for better brain functioning and overall health.
- Blueberries: Compounds in the bright berries may help shield against harmful processes tied to Alzheimer's disease and premature brain aging.
- Eggs: This breakfast favorite is loaded with selenium -- a mineral that could help make your brain years younger.
- Mustard: What makes mustard so amazing? Turmeric. Getting just 17 milligrams of it a day -- about a teaspoon of mustard -- can help activate genes that control the cleanup of cellular waste in your brain.
- Salmon: This pink fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, including the type thought to have the most antiaging effects on the brain. A docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplement is another way to get your omega-3s.
- Kale: Getting at least three servings a day of dark, leafy greens high in carotenoids and flavonoids can slow mental decline associated with aging.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulEat these five important foods every day for better brain functioning and overall health. Blueberries: Compounds in the bright berries may help shield against harmful processes tied to Alzheimer's disease and premature brain aging. Eggs:... More -
Nuts
- Walnuts are made up of 15 to 20 percent protein and contain linoleic (omega-6 fatty acids) and alpha-linoleic acids (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin E and vitamin B6, making them an excellent source of nourishment for your nervous system.
- Cashews are an excellent source of magnesium, which can increase the diameter of blood vessels, reducing hypertension and providing a healthy blood flow.
- Almonds are rich in phenylalanine, which is associated with cognitive and neurological health. This chemical easily passes the blood-brain barrier and stimulates the brain to produce the natural pain-killing and mood-stabilizing hormones: adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine. There is some evidence to suggest that phenylalanine can assist in treating the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Flax - Whether in the form of flaxseed oil or flaxseeds, this plant gives you a good amount of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that lowers blood pressure and your risk for stroke. This wonder food, once praised by Gandhi, also fights arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, stomach disorders, and even mental problems. It also protects against cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon.
Nuts Walnuts are made up of 15 to 20 percent protein and contain linoleic (omega-6 fatty acids) and alpha-linoleic acids (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin E and vitamin B6, making them an excellent source of nourishment for your... More
