When we get older, our bodies follow suit. However, various studies have shown that you can have a healthy brain long into your senior years if you add certain foods to your diet. While elderly people can gain a lot of benefits from eating these “smart” foods, people of all ages should eat “smart” foods to develop a healthier brain.
Nuts and Seeds
Eat different seeds and nuts as they are an excellent source of vitamin E. Researchers have found that vitamin E lessens cognitive decline as we age. Add some of the following foods to your daily diet for the best results:
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts
- Walnuts
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Sesame seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Unhydrogenated nut butters (peanut butter, tahini, almond butter)
If you need to go on a salt-restricted diet regimen, make sure that you buy unsalted nuts the next time you go grocery shopping.
Wild Salmon
Researchers state that wild salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which everyone needs for brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids have various anti-inflammatory agents. Other types of fish that can give you the same boost include herring and sardines. Eat these kinds of fish 2-3 times a week. When you have fish, make sure that the serving is no bigger than four ounces.
Blueberries
The results from different animal studies showed that blueberries keep the brain from experiencing oxidative stress. Blueberries also reduce the risk of such age-related diseases as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These “smart” berries also have improved the motor skills and learning abilities of older rats. The addition of blueberries to the elder rats’ diet made them cognitively equal to their younger counterparts. Add at least one cup of blueberries (in any form) to start working on the health of your brain.
The staff at The Arbors Assisted Living dedicates itself to serving their senior clientele in any way they can. This dedication to service includes feeding our clients a brain-healthy diet that could help ease cognitive decline. If you would like to learn more about assisted living services for your parent, please call us at our office. A member of our talented, caring, and knowledgeable staff will quickly get back to you to answer every one of your questions.