Top 4 Brain-Boosting Foods that Help Combat Cognitive Decline in seniors

It’s well known that a healthy diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy body, but only recently have we discovered the effectiveness of nutrition in combating cognitive decline in seniors. According to a study carried out by an international team of researchers, seniors that maintained a healthy diet compared to those who didn’t experienced a 25% reduced risk of cognitive decline.

In this article, we present the top 4 brain-boosting foods that help stave off cognitive decline in older adults.

Berries

Phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Out of all these fruits and vegetables, berries have been noted to have a particularly strong protective effect on the brain.

Several kinds of berries are known to reverse or slow down age-related decline in animal brain functioning. Also, initial results seem to indicate that pomegranate and blueberries can improve memory in seniors.

Salmon

Replacing meat with salmon has proven effective in slowing mental degeneration. According to research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, older adults that regularly consumed salmon experienced less cognitive impairment than those that didn’t.

Salmon – along with other cold water fishes such as sardines, halibut, and tuna – is rich in omega-3 fatty acids including the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The brain contains high levels of DHA and studies have identified a link between low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and decreased mental functioning.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are particularly helpful when it comes to protecting the brain against mental decline. Iron-rich greens such as spinach are great for providing critical nutrients such as vitamin C and aid in muscle preservation. Furthermore, research from Sweden’s Lund University found spinach to be effective in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s diseases.

Another beneficial leafy green is dandelion that contains high amounts of vitamin C, E, K, and folate, all of which are known to possess neuroprotective effects, according to researchers at the University on Montreal.

Green Tea

Green tea contains amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes that boost brain function and alleviate mental fatigue. Also, according to a study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, green tea also possesses an antioxidant known as ECGC that prevent beta-amyloid proteins from damaging brain cells.

Aside from these, other beneficial foods that combat cognitive decline include avocados, eggs, walnuts, oysters, and olive oil. AvantGarde Senior Living is a senior care community in Woodland Hills, California that provides a comfortable and lively environment for seniors. The facility focuses on delivering personalized care to older adults enabling them to live a happy and healthy lifestyle. Contact them today for more information.