2 years ago · Darla · Comments Off on Best Foods to Boost Brain and Memory Function for Seniors
Best Foods to Boost Brain and Memory Function for Seniors
Remember the saying: You are what you eat? The foods we consume play a large role in the structure and health of our bodies. However, it also has positive benefits for the brain by lowering the risk of cognitive decline as we get older. As an energy-intensive organ, the brain uses around 20% of the body’s calories. We’ve compiled a list of some delicious and nutritious brain-boosting foods you can use to maintain and improve cognition and help fight diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Blueberries
Who could turn down a fresh bowl of blueberries? Not only is this fruit high in antioxidants, but evidence from Tuft University found that the consumption of blueberries may help improve or delay short-term memory loss. Taste of Home provides the perfect Lemon Blueberry Biscuits recipe for any breakfast or dessert lover who can’t get enough of lemon zest and blueberries.
Turmeric
A plant that is indigenous to India and Central America, Turmeric is the spice created from that plant and used in many culinary masterpieces that benefit both body and brain. You might remember our Turmeric smoothie and Turmeric milk recipes—definitely check them out if you haven’t! And if those weren’t enough to get you excited about Turmeric, try this Turmeric-Fried Veggie Rice recipe from Olive Magazine.
Scallops and Mussels
According to Today’s Geriatric Medicine, incorporating different types of seafood such as scallops and mussels to the diet of Alzheimer’s patients can be a simple and low-risk way to combat the disease. Alzheimer’s patients commonly have low levels of plasmalogen (a type of phospholipids or the molecules that build our cellular membranes) in the nervous system. Try Allrecipes’ flavorful Mussels and Scallops in Citrus Wine Broth recipe for possible Alzheimer’s disease intervention.
Dark Chocolate
We don’t know about you, but you don’t have to tell us twice that chocolate is on the “healthy foods” list. Dark chocolate on its own is a satisfyingly sweet treat that contains flavonoids, which are strong antioxidants that can improve blood flow to the brain and improve brain plasticity, which is crucial for learning. Minimalist Baker has a DIY dark chocolate recipe that’s easy to follow and will keep you wanting more.
Broccoli
Studies suggest that sulforaphane—an antioxidant found in broccoli—has anti-inflammatory properties that can help rebuild damaged neural cells in the brain. Sounds like science fiction, right? We recommend Food & Wine Magazine’s recipe for caramelized broccoli with garlic as a delicious way to help boost brain function.
Pumpkin Seeds
There’s no better way to bring in fall than with pumpkin seeds. Also known as pepitas, pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron, which are key minerals for brain health. Joy Food Sunshine has a festive Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds recipe that’ll surely put in you in an autumn state of mind.
At Tribute Senior Living, we’re taking every stride to ensure our residents have the brain-boosting nutrition they need to thrive in their golden years. Specifically, one of the ways we’re doing this is with a new program dubbed Fight Club. Fight Club is a unique opportunity to be proactive for those who want to fight for their best life. It enables those living at home the same benefits of learning about Tribute’s individually planned, three-fold approach to physical fitness, nutrition, and brain fitness programs. Contact us today to learn more about how our approach to assisted living and memory care creates a better life by design.
