It is well known that consuming a nutritious diet makes the body healthy and strong, but it will also reduce cognitive decline as one advance in age. In fact, a study found that retirees who regularly ate nutritious foods reduced their risk of experiencing cognitive decline by as much as twenty-five percent. Below are the foods that improve the elder’s memory.
Blueberries
Blueberries are considered a superfood that provides tremendous benefits to brain function. They shield the cerebrum from oxidative-related stress while lowering the symptoms of dementia. In fact, blueberries are so powerful that they are one of the few proven foods which were found to enhance motor function in those who’d lost it. Elders who regularly consume blueberries have also demonstrated lower memory loss with greater coordination and balance.
Walnuts
These nuts are packed with Vitamin E, which is responsible for capturing the free radicals that might injure brain cells. A study undertaken at Rush University Medical Center concluded that aging retirees who frequently consumed foods that have lots of vitamin E displayed a lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s.
Avocados
Despite the fact that avocados are considered fatty fruit, their fat is monounsaturated, which is the healthy kind. It encourages increased blood flow which results in a stronger brain while reducing blood pressure or hypertension, which plays a role in cognitive decline.
Salmon
Periodically consuming this fish has been shown to reduce mental degeneration. This is because salmon is a frigid water fish that is rich in large amounts of fatty omega-three acids like docosahexaenoic. Since this acid is already present in high amounts in a healthy brain, those that maintain these levels as they age by regularly consuming salmon will display superior cognitive function. Other fish species that improve brain function include halibut, tuna, and sardines.
Green Tea
This is arguably the healthiest beverage in the world. It is full of vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids that will aid in alleviating mental fatigue while enhancing brain function. Additionally, it carries a special antioxidant that prevents beta amyloid-based proteins from damaging brain cells.
Spinach
Made famous by the cartoon character Popeye the Sailor Man, Spinach will do more than just increase your physical strength. It also contains folic acid in copious amounts, which when periodically consumed will prevent dementia, particularly in females. Other cruciferous-based vegetables which aid in memory function are cabbage and broccoli.
Eggs
While this food is probably the most common on this list, it has some amazing attributes. Egg yolk contains lots of choline which is a type of nutrient your brain uses to form neurotransmitters, which are a necessity for maintaining proper memory function as well as communication between neurons. Elders who regularly consume choline were found to perform better in memory tests.
When the foods above are combined with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle free of excessive alcohol, smoking, or prescription drugs, retirees can age gracefully while avoiding debilitating disorders such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.
