As we age, our body ages with us and that includes your brain, which changes with each passing year. Once we hit our late twenties our brain’s aging process begins losing neurons which are the cells that make up the brain and nervous system.
By our sixties, they begin to shrink. Don’t worry, it happens to everyone, but there are foods you can eat to keep your brain as healthy as possible.
Author of Superfoods RX: Fourteen Foods Proven to Change Your Life, refers to blueberries as “brainberries”. He cites studies that show blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the symptoms of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies comparing aging rats and younger rats have also shown that blueberries significantly improve motor skills and learning capacity. Add just one cup per day of fresh, frozen or freeze-dried blueberries to your diet for a healthy brain.
Wild salmon is rich in omega-3 which is an essential fatty acid crucial to brain function. Omega-3s also contain anti-inflammatory properties. Other oily fish containing the benefits of Omega-3s include sardines and herring. Eat fatty fish 2-3 times a week to promote brain health.
Higher levels of vitamin E are linked to less cognitive decline as we get older. Nuts and seeds are a good source of vitamin E and just one ounce per day will help you maintain a healthy brain. Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews and peanuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seed are among the top vitamin E choices.
The avocado is a fatty fruit which contributes to healthy blood flow. They are almost as good as blueberries when it comes to your brain health. Avocados are also a good food for lower blood pressure. Avocados are high in calories so adding just ¼ to ½ of an avocado daily is enough.
