Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by eating these 7 foods

Berries contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant which helps stop inflammation and enables blood cells to work more effectively. Dr. Nussbaum states one cannot go wrong if a food has the word berry in the name. Strawberries, blueberries and cranberries were noted as excellent choices. Salmon, and other fatty fish, are high in Omega-3s and can lower blood levels of beta-amyloid, a protein believed to play a role in Alzheimer’s. Dr. Nussbaum suggests eating 8 ounces of fish a week, preferably fresh. Walnuts are filled with Omega-3 fatty acids, the good kind of fat for your brain. Walnuts also contain Vitamin E and flavonoids, which can help the brain. Almonds, pecans and hazelnuts have these same benefits, only in smaller measure.View the list »
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Paul Nussbaum, Ph.D., a clinical neuropsychologist and member of the scientific advisory board for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, says the two best things we can do to keep our brain working at its best are to exercise and eat right.

According to Dr. Nussbaum, …the brain is made up of 60% fat – it’s the fattest part of our body – and that fat insulates the nerve tracks. Without that fat, we slow down mentally.

We should keep in mind that our brain is the most complex component of the human body. It is the seat of intelligence, interpreter of the senses, initiator of body movement and controller of behavior. Thus, we cannot digest just any kind of fats (you knew there would be a catch, didn’t you?) because all fats were not created equal.

Trans fats and sugar are not great for your brain health and should be very limited in your diet. There are, however, seven foods that have been deemed to be good for your brain.

There are some very pleasant surprises on the accompanying list. Be good to your brain – and enjoy.

View the list
  • Walnuts are filled with Omega-3 fatty acids, the good kind of fat for your brain. Walnuts also contain Vitamin E and flavonoids, which can help the brain. Almonds, pecans and hazelnuts have these same benefits, only in smaller measure.
  • Salmon, and other fatty fish, are high in Omega-3s and can lower blood levels of beta-amyloid, a protein believed to play a role in Alzheimer’s. Dr. Nussbaum suggests eating 8 ounces of fish a week, preferably fresh. 
  • Berries contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant which helps stop inflammation and enables blood cells to work more effectively. Dr. Nussbaum states one cannot go wrong if a food has the word berry in the name. Strawberries, blueberries and cranberries were noted as excellent choices. 
  • Leafy greens should be a staple of everyone’s diet because they are full of antioxidants and fiber. New studies show that high levels of Vitamin C, also found in spinach, may help in the prevention of dementia. 
  • Studies have shown that turmeric, the spice used in curries, and its main active component, curcumin, can help prevent Alzheimer’s. Research from UCLA found that Vitamin D3, taken with curcumin, may assist the immune system to get rid of the amino acids that form the plaque in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. 
  • Researchers from the University of South Florida and the University of Miami found that persons older than 65 who drank 3 cups of (real) coffee a day developed Alzheimer’s 2 to 4 years later than their counterparts with lower caffeine levels. 
  • Compelling research indicates that dark chocolates, which contain flavonoids, not only help combat heart disease may also assist in slowing down the effects of dementia. The healthiest choice is dark chocolate that has a 70% or higher cocoa content. Ahhhhh, life is good!!! 
View the list
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, Suffolk Public Schools Examiner

Janice Holland is a retired public school educator having served her hometown of Suffolk, VA as as the assistant superintendent for administrative services; an elementary principal; a high school assistant principal; and, as a high school mathematics teacher. Since retiring, Janice has worked as...

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