Dementia occurs when the brain changes in such a way that your intellectual and social abilities are compromised, reports MayoClinic.com. The most common symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulty concentrating and the inability to organize information and make plans. Your diet can play a role in your how high your chances of developing dementia are. Eating plenty of nutritious foods may help you stave off dementia.
Beans
The health of your brain helps determine how likely you are to develop dementia as you age. Adding foods that support brain health can help you stave off dementia, Charles Frederick Schafer reports in his book, "Health and Humor." Beans maintain and improve the health of your brain because they are high in fiber, which helps reduce your blood cholesterol levels. Low levels of cholesterol result in more efficient blood flow throughout your body, including to your brain. Your brain needs plenty of blood and oxygen to function normally so you are able to retain your memories and prevent confusion. Beans can be eaten as a side to dish to any meal or can be added to salads, soups and stews.
Spinach
All vegetables have the potential to help stave off dementia because they are rich in many different vitamins and minerals, but spinach may be one of the most effective dementia preventing vegetables, Schafer reports. Eating at least three servings of vegetables, including spinach, can reduce your risk of brain function decline, which often leads to dementia. A fresh spinach salad mixed with cranberries and walnuts is one way to add this brain supporting food to your diet. Add fresh spinach to pasta sauce recipes or sprinkle some onto your favorite pizza as additional ways to add it to your diet. Broccoli has similar brain health effects and should also be included in your diet, adds Schafer.
Strawberries
Strawberries may help prevent you from developing dementia because they include nutrients that keep your brain functioning normally so you are able to continue engaging in all of the tasks you are used to. Strawberries also help keep your brain sharp so you do not experience a decline in your memory, notes Schafer. MayoClinic.com adds that reducing your overall cholesterol levels may help stave off dementia, and eating a diet rich in berries can help you do that. Strawberries also contain a compound that encourages your brain cells to work together, which will help prevent dementia as well. Add strawberries to a fruit salad or slice a few on top of your breakfast cereal. Blueberries have similar benefits and should be added to your diet as well, Schafer recommends.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Dementia
- "Health and Humor"; Charles Frederick Schafer; 2008
