Seniors and Foods for the Brain: What Do You Need to Know?
There is no secret that healthier foods will contribute to people being healthier overall. However, when it comes to senior care, there are very particular healthy foods that should play a role in their diet. There are some foods for the brain that you should know about as a family caregiver. These foods contribute to better brain health and better overall health, too. Before getting into these foods, it should be noted that a happier brain is a happier body and creates a happier life.
Salmon
Research shows that eating salmon, instead of meat even just a few times each week, can reduce mental and cognitive declines. Salmon has large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids in it. These are the same fatty acids that are already in the brain. So, it makes perfect sense why having these fatty acids in one’s blood would increase their brain health.
Walnuts
Walnuts are high in Vitamin E. This vitamin works on trapping free radicals that might otherwise damage the brain cells. Alzheimer’s research shows that people that eat foods that are higher in Vitamin E have a lower risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.
Green Tea
While green tea isn’t food, it still is beneficial for seniors and their brain health. This type of tea has vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes in it. These all help with alleviating and relieving mental fatigue. They also raise brain functions, as well.
Eggs
Egg yolks have choline in them. This is a nutrient that the brain needs to make neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters can help improve memory and communication in the elderly.
Blueberries
Research shows that blueberries help with brain protection. Many senior citizens become stressed and eating blueberries helps to protect the brain against stress. In addition, blueberries have been shown to reduce the risk of dementia. Blueberries also improve short-term memory loss and can reverse coordination and balance issues as one gets older.
Spinach
There is a lot of folic acid in spinach. Research shows that folic acid helps with the prevention of dementia. If you can encourage your elderly loved one to eat more foods with folic acid in them, this will help improve their brain health. These foods might include leafy greens, cabbage, and broccoli.
As you have just read, there is an abundance of foods and even drinks that will help your senior citizen to improve their brain health. If you are taking care of your elderly loved one, be sure to encourage them to eat these foods and have green tea in their diet, as well.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care in Parkers Prairie, MN please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350.
Source
https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthy-aging/brain-health-and-fish
https://www.cochrane.org/CD002854/DEMENTIA_use-vitamin-e-treatment-mild-cognitive-impairment-and-alzheimers-disease-ad
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2017/drinking-tea-may-reduce-dementia-risk-fd.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2782876/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-blueberries
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