Many seniors suffer from memory loss in the latter part of their years. This can be a great issue to deal with. Although most diseases that affect the brain like Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured, seniors can adopt some precautionary measures to help boost their brain health. One such way is by eating healthy brain food.
The brain is one of the most vital parts of the human body. It is the central control unit of the body and is in charge of keeping the lungs breathing and heartbeat. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to keep the brain in the best working condition. Eating good food plays a significant role in keeping the brain healthy and improving certain mental tasks like concentration and memory retention.
It is no news that a healthy diet contributes to the general health of the body. More so, eating nutritious diets help reduce the risk of cognitive decline in seniors. According to recent studies conducted by a team of researchers at the Population Health Research Institute, seniors who consumed nutritious diets had low cognitive decline risks by 25% compared to those who consumed low healthy diets.
Furthermore, healthy foods affect cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular risk factors, which are important mechanisms for reducing the risk of memory loss in seniors. This article contains a list of the top Brain foods for seniors- arranged in no particular order-that can boost memory retention, especially for seniors suffering from memory decline and loss.
Top 5 Brain Foods for Seniors
1. SALMON
According to studies conducted by a team of researchers, salmon contain nutrients that slow down cognitive decline. Salmon and other fish products like halibut, sardines, and tuna contain high proportions of omega-3-fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid. DHA is known to be one of the most abundant fatty acid found in the brain.Â
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The brain functions efficiently and effectively when the levels of DHA in the blood are high. Low levels of DHA in the blood are associated with poor brain performance, cognitive decline, and smaller brain volume. Salmon has multiple health benefits. Therefore, it is a great food to add in the diet of elders to boost their memory, just like the marijuana cleanse in this study.
2. GREEN TEA
Green tea contains a substance called caffeine, which is known to boost brain function. It improves general performance, alertness, focus, and memory retention. Green tea also contains other components that make it good brain food for seniors. One such component is L-theanine, an amino acid that increases GABA activities in the brain, thus helping you feel relaxed and reduce anxiety.
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It also increases the frequency of alpha rays in the brain, helping you relax without feeling tired. Green tea also contains antioxidants and polyphenols that protect the brain from mental decline and reduce Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Green tea help to improve the memory of seniors
3. WALNUT
Research reveals that eating walnuts helps improve heart function. Having a healthy heart is synonymous with having a healthy brain. Walnuts contain nutrients that help avoid neurodegenerative diseases and improve cognition. Another study showed that women who consume walnuts regularly over the years, have sharper memories during their old age compared to those who don’t.
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Walnuts contain nutrients such as vitamin E, antioxidants, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients that are beneficial to the brain’s health. Vitamin E prevents cell membranes from radical damage and further slow-down mental decline.
4. BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries contain nutrients that boost brain function. One of such compounds is anthocyanins, a class of plant nutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Most of the antioxidants found in blueberries accumulate in the brain and improve brain cells’ communication and sensitivity. They also act as against conditions that increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging.
Animal studies reveal that blueberries help to boost memory retention and reduce the risk of short-term memory loss.
5. EGGS
The egg is an excellent source of nutrients such as choline, folate, vitamins B6 and B12, known to improve brain function. Choline contains acetylcholine, which helps to regulate mood and improve memory retention. High levels of choline in the brain is associated with better memory function and memory.
One of the easiest ways to get choline is by eating eggs. Egg yolk is the most significant source of this nutrient. Egg also contains B vitamins, which help to slow down the mental decline in elders. Low levels of B vitamins in the body is associate with depression in seniors.
Conclusion
Many foods can help to keep your brain healthy. Some of the foods listed above contain antioxidants that help prevent memory loss. You can improve seniors’ brain health and boost their mood, memory, and alertness by deliberately including these foods in their diets.
