There are many foods rich in vitamins and essential nutrients that have been shown to enhance brain function, improve mental performance or decrease the risk of memory loss for older adults.
Add these Brain Foods to your diet to elevate your brain power in an easy, tasty way.
- Pick berries. Adding berries to your diet may aid cognitive functioning. According to a study at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, eating more flavonoid-rich blueberries and strawberries may delay cognitive aging by as much as 2.5 years. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that occur naturally in plants. Red wine, tea, apples, and oranges are also high in flavonoids.
- Choose whole grains. Whole-grain bread, cereals, and pasta are high in folic acid and vitamins V6 and B12, which may help improve memory. These complex carbohydrates release food energy slowly over time, which can help maintain mental alertness all day long.
- Dine on oily fish. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, promote a healthy nervous system and may decrease the risk of memory loss and Alzheimers disease. Oily fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and lake trout are high in omega-3s. If you are not fond of fish, consider taking a fish oil supplement.
- Bite into tomatoes. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells against free-radical damage that has been associated with the development of dementia and Alzheimers disease.
- Snack on pumpkin seeds. Just a handful of pumpkin seeds can provide the recommended daily amount of zinc, which can enhance memory and thinking skills.
Another proven way to keep your brain healthy and powerful is to partake in physical exercise. We understand exercise can seem daunting to older adults who don't currently have a standard fitness routine. If you aren't sure where to begin, don't worry beginning an exercise routine is easier than you may think. To get started, download our free guide, Remaining Active: How to Begin a Regular Exercise Routine.
