Posted on 08/02/2019 8:47:40 AM PDT by ConservativeMind
We know a healthy diet can protect against conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Fortunately, evidence shows that what's good for the body is generally also good for the brain.
Oxidative stress
As we age, our metabolism becomes less efficient, and is less able to get rid of compounds generated from what's called "oxidative stress".
The body's normal chemical reactions can sometimes cause chemical damage, or generate side-products known as free radicals—which in turn cause damage to other chemicals in the body.
To neutralise these free radicals, our bodies draw on protective mechanisms, in the form of antioxidants or specific proteins. But as we get older, these systems become less efficient. When your body can no longer neutralise the free radical damage, it's under oxidative stress.
The toxic compounds generated by oxidative stress steadily build up, slowly damaging the brain and eventually leading to symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Increasing physical activity is important. But here we are focusing on diet, which is our major source of ANTIoxidants.
Foods to add
There are plenty of foods you can include in your diet that will positively influence brain health. [See list in comments]
Foods to reduce
Equally as important as adding good sources of antioxidants to your diet is minimising foods that are unhealthy: some foods contain damaged fats and proteins, which are major sources of oxidative stress and inflammation.
A high intake of "junk foods" including sweets, soft drinks, refined carbohydrates, processed meats and deep fried foods has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Where these conditions are are all risk factors for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, they should be kept to a minimum to reduce health risks and improve longevity.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
- Beetroot
- Green vegetables and herbs
- Red and purple sweet potato
- Berries
- Fish (especially high Omega-3 fish)
I am sure there are - but I forget.
More important than all these - turmeric.
Yes! BACON!
Eat it 4 times a day, everyday!..................You won’t live long enough to get Alzheimer’s.........
Thanks for posting. Health/life BUMP!
More important than all these - turmeric.
I’ve heard that various nuts are good for the brain, especially walnuts. Same thing about cherry juice, but they mean the tart or bitter cherry, not the sweeter version.
I have been eating more strawberries on a regular basis.
Not too many for uninterrupted weeks, or my berry allergies will set in. For that reason (latent fruit allergies), I have to rotate the fruit choices in my fridge.
No brainier, carbs. If you don’t know that, don’t worry, you won’t be able to miss it, once it becomes widespread, within a few years.
Eat olive oil. It worked for Popeye; he’s still going strong.
Reverse that - NO CARBS, if you want to keep your brain.
Doctor friend of mine recently recommended the book Genius Foods to me. I’ve skimmed some of it, was reading something else when I picked it up.
Read the book “The grain brain”....It’s written by a Neurologist that has done numerous studies about foods leading to dementia——High carb, processed foods have been detailed in his study to greatly contribute to dementia. He recommends 60 carbs a day or less of good quality meats, cheeses, seafood and veggies....with the occasional fruits.
Interesting conversation - you’ll enjoy it.
How to live the Genius life! A conversation with NYT best selling author, Max Lugavere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDKYVTuMN3c
Max Lugavere is a filmmaker, health and science journalist and the author of the New York Times best-selling book Genius Foods: Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain for Life.
Now THAT'S a plan. Plan B is to swan dive off the 26 foot bluff below my house . . . If I can remember how to get there!!!
60 grams? Wow, that's low.
I thought the recommended maximum was around 250 grams per day.
Virtually unknown or very rare from what I know.
Keep your body as alkaline as possible. We drink alkaline water and eat as many raw foods as possible.
Don’t neglect your oral hygiene.
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