Understanding how different foods can help us combat various illnesses can certainly help to keep us on the correct path to long-lasting health not only now, but also in our distant future. However, this is certainly a complicated subject, so it makes sense to break the topic down into individual illnesses to then determine the types of foods that should be in your diet. So, in this instance we will focus on foods that fight Alzheimer’s disease, an illness that is troubling for many people, especially those who may have family members fighting the disease.
1. Leafy vegetables
The first thing to mention is leafy vegetables: in particular, we are talking about kale, spinach and broccoli. If they are green and leafy, then they are going to be high in both vitamin A and vitamin C, vitamins which can promote brain activity and health. Trying to have at least six portions a week in your diet will make biggest difference in your brain function.
2. Nuts
We have known for some time that nuts are a kind of superfood, but they can also play a role in helping to improve the health of your brain. The reason for this is because they are high in healthy fats, high in fiber, and high in a whole host of different antioxidants, something that your brain is going to absolutely love.
3. Blueberries
Blueberries do not get the press that they deserve, as this wonder berry has been shown to be extremely effective at helping to combat a wide range of illnesses or diseases and Alzheimer’s is just one of them. Various minerals and nutrients in the berries, including the skin, have been shown to be extremely effective at helping boost our cognitive function and keeping those wheels in our brain well oiled, so eat them at least twice a week to benefit from all of this mighty goodness packed into a very small berry.
4. Beans
Beans are extremely effective at helping our health in various ways, and brain experts have linked eating them to boosting our brain function and helping to reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. They are not only low in both calories as well as unhealthy fats, but are also high in protein, which your brain needs in order to function correctly. Include them in your diet at least three times a week and you will be doing yourself a lot of good in the process.
5. Salmon
Fish in general is going to be good for your brain, but salmon is the one that stands out above all others. This is, of course, because of the levels of Omega 3 in the fish, which is known to be one of the key things that we can take on a regular basis in order to help the health of our brain and even combat other brain issues such as depression. Omega 3 is something that we cannot do without, but most people overlook it. However, do not feel as if you need to have salmon on a daily basis, which some people do recommend, as that is just not necessary – including it in your diet regularly is sufficient.
6. Poultry
Poultry is high in protein, and as we stated earlier when talking about beans, this is something that the brain needs to allow it to function correctly. It gives the brain energy and promotes healthy cell function and production, so as long as you are not vegetarian you need to look at including poultry in your diet at least twice a week as an absolute minimum. Do make sure it is skinless, however, as that is certainly going to be the healthier option. It is worth noting that you should not eat too much protein in your diet on a daily basis as this causes other health issues that should be of concern to you.
7. Olive oil
We have been told for decades that cooking in olive oil is the healthier option for our heart, and while this is indeed true, it is also known that it is extremely good at helping to protect our brain. Numerous studies have indicated that olive oil helps to prevent cognitive decline, which is of course a major component of this disease, so switch to olive oil in your cooking, and look at buying a good quality one as well – your taste buds and your brain will thank you.
8. Wine
Now, this is something that will appeal to a number of people, but there is evidence out there that having a glass of wine a couple of times each week can help to fight against general cognitive decline. This is all to do with the antioxidants that appear in the grapes that are used, and it is known that red wine is more effective than white, but we do have to stress that we are only talking about the occasional glass for obvious other health reasons. Within those limits, though, drink up! It’s good for your brain.
9. Other oily fish
Fish such as mackerel are also worth mentioning because even though they are not as high in essential minerals and nutrients as salmon, they should still not be ignored. If you like the idea of having kippers in the morning for breakfast once a week, then your brain is going to be grateful for it, which is again all linked to Omega 3.
10. Tomatoes
The fact that tomatoes can help to fight against Alzheimer’s disease is good news considering the amount that we tend to consume every single year in less healthy things like tomato sauce, ketchup, and burger fixings. This is all because of the nutrients that appear in them, so if you want to give your brain a significant boost, then consider having a salad with leafy greens and tomatoes included along with some poultry and what you have is a meal that is going to seriously boost the general health of your brain.
By incorporating these foods into your diet on a regular basis it can at least help you to fight against this terrible disease. Alzheimer’s has genetic links, so nothing can truly halt it. However, anything that can help should be warmly welcomed, so look at changing your diet before it is too late to do so.
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