The data support eating foods that are high in vitamin E and
this includes healthy vegetable oil-based salad dressings, seeds and nuts,
peanut butter, and whole grains
The benefit has been seen with vitamin-E rich foods, but not supplements.
A potent antioxidant, vitamin E may help protect neurons or nerve cells. In Alzheimer’s disease, neurons in certain parts of the brain start to die, which jump-starts the cascade of events leading to cognitive deterioration
The benefit has been seen with vitamin-E rich foods, but not supplements.
A potent antioxidant, vitamin E may help protect neurons or nerve cells. In Alzheimer’s disease, neurons in certain parts of the brain start to die, which jump-starts the cascade of events leading to cognitive deterioration
Fish
Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and other fish are rich in
heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In the brain, DHA seems to be very important
for the normal functioning of neurons
Another plus: Eating more fish often means eating less red meat and other forms of protein that are high in artery-clogging saturated fats.
Another plus: Eating more fish often means eating less red meat and other forms of protein that are high in artery-clogging saturated fats.
Dark green leafy vegetables
Kale, collard greens, spinach, and broccoli are good sources
of vitamin E and folate. For example, one cup of raw spinach has 15% of your daily
intake of vitamin E, and 1/2 a cup of cooked spinach has 25% of your daily
intake.
Exactly how folate may protect the brain is unclear, but it may be by lowering levels of an amino acid known as homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine may trigger the death of nerve cells in the brain, but folic acid helps break down homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels have also been linked to an increased risk for heart disease.
Exactly how folate may protect the brain is unclear, but it may be by lowering levels of an amino acid known as homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine may trigger the death of nerve cells in the brain, but folic acid helps break down homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels have also been linked to an increased risk for heart disease.
Berries
The latest research presented at the National Meeting of the
American Chemical Society in Boston found that blueberries, strawberries, and
acai berries may help put the brakes on age-related cognitive decline by
preserving the brain’s natural “housekeeper” mechanism, which wanes with age. This
mechanism helps get rid of toxic proteins associated with age-related memory
loss.
Whole grains
Fiber-rich whole grains are an integral part of the
Mediterranean diet, which is also loaded with fruits, vegetables, nuts and
seeds, olive oil, and wine.
This type of diet may reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and other vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure—all of which may have a role in increasing risk for brain and heart diseases
This type of diet may reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and other vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure—all of which may have a role in increasing risk for brain and heart diseases
