Help Prevent Alzheimer’s With These Healthy Food Choices

As you may all know, Alzheimer’s disease is a serious health condition that could render you helpless and out of control. It can happen to anyone approaching their senior years. 

If you are one of those individuals who are nearing age 60 and up it may be a good idea to be very conscious of what your mind and body needs and it is recommended that you begin eating the right kind of food.

A beneficial diet has the potential of strengthening your brain and thus preventing cognitive decline and the onset of this dreaded disease.

What is considered as food that can prevent Alzheimer’s?

Food that provides fuel and nourishment for your brain and is essential to its longevity are those that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and monounsaturated fats. Below are beneficial nutrient-packed food suggestions.

Coffee – We have good news for regular drinkers of this beverage. It turns out that coffee can provide great benefits for your brain. It has been found out in a study that coffee can help keep the coating that separates the blood and brain intact. This coating acts as a barrier that keeps the brain protected from damaging elements and unwanted materials like bad/harmful cholesterol.  And it is confirmed on another study that coffee can improve short-term memory. If you also want to get a good supply of antioxidants, then it is suggested that you drink one or two cups a day of coffee.  If you want it sweet just make sure just to add a little bit of natural sugar.

Lentils – If you want to keep your brain in its optimum shape then the high-fiber content of Lentils may help. How does this work? The fiber regulates and provides a steady glucose release to your brain. Consider this as a steady stream of fuel that would power your brain cells. In case you didn’t know Glucose is both a sugar and a source of energy for your body’s cells and is the only fuel accepted by your brain.  More so the B vitamin content of Lentils can slow the shrinking of brain cells associated with Alzheimer’s.

Chia Seeds – To have your brain cells communicate with each other better you should keep your brain arteries clear of plaque. The high amount of omega-3 fatty acids found in Chia seeds may aid in this.  These omega-3 fatty acids that the body can convert to  DHA.  In case you want to know, DHA (docoshexanoic acid) is one of the crucial building blocks of brain tissue and aids in protecting against dementia, depression, inflammatory diseases, etc. It is suggested that you sprinkle these seeds into your cereals, yogurts, salads. You can even munch on them alone if you wish.

Brazil Nuts – Keeping effective transmission of signals between brain and body is very important.  And to achieve this you should supply your body with food that contains  magnesium. Brazil nuts provides this essential mineral and is also a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats. Other good sources of magnesium are almonds, walnuts and cashews.  Brazil nuts also contain Selenium, a chemical that can protect brain cells from damage over time. A handful of Brazil nuts or a mix of all the mentioned nuts is suggested to be consumed in a day.

sources: authoritynutrition.com, everydayhealth.com, livestrong.com, diseaseproof.com, livescience.com