If you have a family member who has Alzheimer’s, there is a higher risk of family members contracting it as well. You likely may think about how you can prevent the same thing from happening to you. So far, there is not anything verified to prevent Alzheimer’s from happening to you, but there are breakthroughs that can help to delay or ward off the symptoms.
Many individuals take supplements in order to boost memory like Ginkgo Biloba that can protect against age-related memory decline, but researchers at Yale University claim that the body doesn’t absorb nutritional supplements quite as effectively as it does natural foods. Eating foods that can help stimulate brain activity and are brain-boosting can be Alzheimer’s-fighting super foods!
So, what should be at the top of your shopping list? Here are five foods that Yale University Researchers recommend:
1. Binge on Berries!
Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries — are considered super foods. This is due to the fact that they deliver a boatload of antioxidants in each bite!
Antioxidants help to enhance cognitive brain function. They also help to reduce plaque in the brain, which is a contributing factor to the cause Alzheimer’s. Have a berry smoothie every morning with some lowfat Greek Yogurt! Find new ways to incorporate them into your daily food intake.
2. Stock the Spices
Spices like Turmeric, Cocoa, Cinnamon and Nutmeg contain polyphenols. This chemical helps to increase cognitive brain function. Do you know what spices like turmeric, cocoa, cinnamon, and nutmeg have in common? According to the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Central Nervous Systems Agents can increase cognitive function and capacity.
The journal research also outlines the many gluco-recovery, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in these spices and theorizes on their Alzheimer’s prevention connection.
So, bring on the chocolate! Drink Chai Teas and Pumpkin Spice this fall! Who would have thought that there are good things about these delectable treats??!
3. Bring on the Omega-3’s
Natural foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids — namely nuts, flaxseeds, and certain types of fish—have long been linked to Alzheimer’s prevention. And even though much speculation can be found, more research must be conducted for undeniable scientific proof.
Although salmon is high in Omega-3’s, make sure you eat wild-caught salmon and not farmed “Atlantic” salmon, which can be full of disease, higher fat content, and chemicals that are fed to them in those tight feces-infested net pens.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil seems to be a miracle discovery lately. Not only is it a healthy fat, it is rich in polyphenol content. Similar to Olive Oil, Coconut Oil is a healthy way to cook foods that you otherwise would use other types of oils. You can replace it as any oil supplement in baking, and instantly make the food you eat, not only lower in trans-fats, but healthier. Research from the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants has also found evidence of coconut oil’s effectiveness in the fight against dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
5. Leafy Greens
For those who are NOT taking blood thinners, leafy greens such as spinach and kale work as brain shields to ward off age-related cognitive decline.
According to findings from the Journal of Nutritional Health and Aging, increasing your consumption of leafy greens will decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia — and they’re just plain good for you!
