Healthy brain foods can help improve memory and prevent the onset of memory loss, and more serious senior health issues like Alzheimer’s or dementia. Seniors and their elder care givers can improve overall brain health, memory, and decrease brain age by maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet which also focuses upon brain food. To incorporate healthy brain foods into your own diet or the diet of someone you provide elder care for, consider the following tips:

• Try to maintain healthy glucose levels by monitoring sugar intake – when blood glucose is too low or too high, memory can become impaired. While in some, effects may last only temporarily, a diet too high or low in sugars (especially processed ones) can negatively impact the brain’s functioning
• Use the glycemic index to choose foods which fall lower on the scale, and don’t impact blood glucose levels severely
• Choose foods high in fiber and whole grains (whole grain bread over white) and combine it with a protein source for faster absorption
• Minimize intake of trans fats and saturated fats – stick with unsaturated fats as much as possible
• Choose foods high in omega-3, omega-6 and antioxidants

Healthy brain foods:

• Blueberries, acai berries and other dark-skinned fruits and berries which are high in anti-oxidants (prunes, raisins, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums etc)
• Salmon and other lean sources of protein rich in omega-3 and unsaturated fats
• Vitamin E rich nuts like pecans, walnuts, and almonds are natural antioxidants
• Dark-skinned vegetables like kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, broccoli, red pepper, beats etc are also good choices for brain food

Sources:
1. Brain Ready
2. Alzheimer’s Association
3. Live Science

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Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.