Taking steps when you are young to preserve your brain function can make a huge difference in the later years of your life. There are several severe consequences for neglecting your mind, and living through diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia is a rough road.
Take precautions now, and look out for you and your family’s brain health today. Here is a quick overview of a few excellent food sources that are great for your mind and body.
Avocados
Avocados are a superfood, and one of the healthiest ways to fortify your brain with monounsaturated fats (the “good” fats). They are also rich in vital vitamins for good brain and body health. Vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin B are all stored in the powerful green sheath of this delicious fruit.
Vitamin K and folate are most important, because they are helpful in the prevention of blood clots in the brain. Eating avocados as a regular part of your diet could significantly reduce your and your family’s risk of stroke. One of the most impressive features of avocados is that they can be grown easily in your backyard. All you need is a good quality seedling (for which you can type αβοκάντο-avocado), protection from the frost and wind, and some care. Remember that an avocado plant can ensure the healthy growth of your family.
Blueberries
Blueberries are not only tasty, but they’re super healthy. Saturated with powerful antioxidants, blueberries are some of the healthiest treats out there. Blueberries are high in gallic acid, which is good for protecting the brain from the effects of stress and degeneration.
The best thing about blueberries is that you typically don’t have to bribe your kids to eat them. They’re like the candy of nature, and blueberries are almost always available.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a great brain food because it is high in vitamin K and choline. Eating your “tiny trees” will help to keep your memory sharp. Eating just one cup of broccoli per day will load your body with 150 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C as well.
The important part of eating broccoli is how you cook the veggie. Overcooking your broccoli will strip the food of its beneficial vitamins and nutrients. Research the best way to cook broccoli for the most flavor and vitamin retention.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is packed full of flavonoids, and flavonoids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids are also great for reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow in the body.
Dark chocolate is good for you, but don’t go swallowing a bunch of Hershey’s Kisses. Most popular supermarket brands of chocolate are packed full of highly processed ingredients that are not at all good for the body.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil has antioxidants called polyphenols, and polyphenols are great for heading off age-related diseases and degeneration in the body. They also fight against ADDLs, which are proteins known to be toxic to the brain and induce Alzheimer’s.
