FOOTLOOSE AND…
Can you eat your way to brain health? The query posed in the October issue of the AARP Bulletin indicates that there might be a positive answer! Surely the foods they recommend for your diet are healthy, wholesome and strong in nutritional value. Let’s take a look.
On the list is nuts, especially walnuts. They battle ameloid plaque, formed by very high ameloid levels beyond normal. While ameloid is a brain cell requirement, when it expands far in excess of normal levels, it kills neurons and creates inflammation. Add curcumin and pomegranates, and you will be taking a key step to control excess formulation of a possible ameloid plaque problem.
And who could argue with the suggestion of pushing against inflammation problems, which uncontrolled, can damage the brain, by eating a variety of foods like olive oil, leafy greens and drinking green tea? Include spinach, kale and broccoli, and with time you could restore brain function often nibbled at by Father Time. A noted authority like Dr. Paula Bickford, a professor of neurology and brain repair, highly praises this diet approach.
How to insure your brain gets, and processes, the blood it requires to stay sharp? Concentrate on dark-colored foods like beets, tomatoes and avocados. There are studies which praise increased blood flow to the brain to keep it strong and sensitive. These foods also promote growth in the hippocampus — the key area involved with memory and learning.
Ever hear of the neurotrophic factor? It is a protein that supports the growth of new neurons. Now that you are aware, launch a regular eating habit of fish, grapes, coffee, blueberries and, my favorite, dark chocolate. And the possible benefits are huge! What can be bad in that group?
Hats off to the AARP for seeking, and promoting, these valuable, dietary, do-gooders.
