Diet plays a critical role in maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
As someone trained in neuroscience at Harvard, I often advocate for the MIND diet, a regimen crafted to minimize age-related cognitive decline.
This diet highlights several key foods, including berries, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fish, and poultry. Adhering even moderately to this diet can decrease Alzheimer’s risk by 37%, according to research.
Here are four types of food I prioritize daily to enhance brain function:
- Lean Proteins
Consuming high amounts of saturated fats is linked to several health issues like high cholesterol and diabetes, which in turn can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Regular consumption of red meat has been associated with greater cognitive decline. I prefer to consume a variety of lean proteins such as salmon, tuna, eggs, and tofu, which are excellent sources of vitamins B and D, crucial for combating dementia.
- Whole Grains
Instead of opting for processed white bread or rice, I include whole grain bread, brown rice, and quinoa in my diet. These are not only good sources of vitamin B but also have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. A recent study indicated that consuming two servings of whole grains daily could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s by 40%.
