By age 85, nearly half of all North Americans will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The American Academy of Neurology predicts that these rates will triple over the next four decades unless preventive measures are established. This means that the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease will jump from 4.7 million to 13.8 million by 2050. Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease prove to be insufficient and unable to create the same quality of life that the patient had before being diagnosed. Although there is much research to be done with this disease, studies have shown that certain foods are beneficial to the brain and may work as preventive measures.
Brain Threats
Saturated fats, trans fats, and excess metals are the biggest threats to brain health. Saturated fats are found in all animal products and seem to encourage the production of plaques within the brain. The Chicago Health and Aging Study reported in the Archives of Neurology in 2003 that individuals with the most saturated fat in their diets had more than three times the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease when compared to those who generally avoided these fats. Trans fats are another fatty substance that have been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease more than fivefold. These fats appear to increase the production of the beta-amyloid protein that collects in plaques at on the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Excess metals in the body, such as iron, copper, and aluminum, build up on the brain, which may lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Excess iron promotes the production of damaging free radicals, while too much copper can impair cognition and stick to the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Buildup of aluminum has also been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, and because of this, it is recommended to avoid uncoated aluminum cookware and to read labels when purchasing baking powder, antacids, and processed foods.
What Can Help My Brain?
Good news! There are many ways to help strengthen your brain and prevent Alzheimer’s disease from striking you. Vitamin E is bountiful in nuts and seeds, and it has been shown to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, pecans, pistachios, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and flaxseed are all high in vitamin E, and you don’t need to eat mass quantities of these little gems to get the benefits. Have a small handful each day to get your dose of brain-boosting vitamin E. The beautiful coloring of grapes and blueberries isn’t just for show; it means that these fruits are packed with powerful antioxidants that help improve learning and recall. Sweet potatoes get their lovely hue from another powerful antioxidant called beta-carotene. Antioxidants are important in fighting harmful free radicals. Eating green leafy vegetables, beans, and legumes daily will ensure that you are getting adequate folate and B6, two very important brain-protecting vitamins. Another B vitamin, B12, is difficult for people to absorb through foods, which is why it is recommended to take a B12 supplement to ensure you are getting the trio of brain-protecting power: folate, B6, and B12.
Exercise for the Body and Brain
Physical exercise has long been recognized as a means to improve longevity and heart health, but it is also beneficial for brain health. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise can help reduce brain atrophy, and it can also improve memory and other cognitive functions.
Want some brain-boosting recipes? Visit our recipe archives at NutritionMD.org and browse hundreds of recipes from all different cuisines! Learn more about brain health in the Physicians Committee’s Dietary Guidelines for Alzheimer’s Prevention.
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