New research from "Kaiser Health News," emphasizes the impact of nutrition on the brain. An article published April 6th by Judith Graham indicates that a healthy diet will prevent numerous health issues, that can lead to cognitive decline., Martha Morris, a nutritional epidemiologist at Rush University Medical Center and Carol Greenwood, professor of nutrition at the University of Toronto weighed in.
What the research indicates
Morris is the founder of the MIND diet, and Greenwood was instrumental in producing the Canadian brain health food guide.
A lot of time and effort have gone into both of these diets, which emphasize the effects of nutrition on brain health, especially when it comes to aging adults. Both women have found in their studies, that certain key nutrients are necessary for the brain to function properly.
One of those is Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant which can be found in seeds, nuts, oils, Leafy Green Vegetables and whole grain products. The research concluded that Vitamin E protects the brain from free radical damage. Another beneficial nutrient is Vitamin B12, which can be found in fish, eggs, cheese and meat. And Vitamin B 9, which is plentiful in whole grains and leafy green vegetables. The studies by both women also focus on food that should be avoided that may lead to cognitive decline.
They are red meat, fried foods, and processed foods that are high in saturated fat.
The bottom line
Tea and blueberries were also listed as powerful foods for cognitive health. Both female experts however agreed, that the focus should not be on any one specific, individual food. They emphasized that the bottom line to keeping our brains functioning, is eating a well rounded healthy diet.
This will ensure that you are getting a variety of beneficial nutrients. Aging bodies and brains go through changes, but there is no need to assume that Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are a natural part of aging, because they are not. While there is not yet a cure for these older age issues, we can certainly utilize eating a healthy diet, and good nutrition to prevent them or stave them off for a long as possible.
It is interesting that the foods listed for brain health, are the same ones we are told to eat to prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes. So the bottom line to all of this is to simply make wise choices in what you eat. This will keep us healthy in our minds and our bodies, and give us an overall better quality of life.
