Food for Thought, Food for Memory

We all want to take good care of our brain as it’s one of the most important organs you have. Not only does it help you think and experience emotions, but it’s also the main control for your body, telling it what to do, coordinating reactions and running all the different systems your body needs to keep it alive and healthy. Of course, this all means that we need to take care of our brain health in any way possible, including through our diet. Our food choices can provide the nutrients and vitamins we need to keep every part of our body functioning properly.

Best Food for the Brain

Here are a few of the best choices for food for memory and brain health.

• Oily Fish. Oily — also referred to as “fatty” — fish is often referenced first when it comes to brain health. Fish such as salmon and tuna are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which help build protective membranes around the cells in your body, including the ones in your brain.
• Egg. Your daily egg for breakfast may be one of the best ways to start your morning by getting a head start on brain health. Eggs are a good source of different nutrients such as choline which is tied to brain health.
• Coffee. Do you have some fresh brew with your morning egg? Not only does coffee help keep you alert during the day, but it also is a source of antioxidants that can help decrease the risk of cognitive decline.
• Walnuts. Aside from the fact that they provide nutrients like polyunsaturated fat and vitamin E for reducing brain inflammation, research shows a link between walnuts and better brain function. That can mean faster brain processing, improved mental flexibility and better memory.
• Leafy Greens. Spinach and kale are considered to be superfoods because of the number of nutrients they provide. They supply things like folate, iron, calcium, vitamin E and vitamin K that aid in brain health by reducing the onset of dementia.
• Berries: Brain health is just one of the many benefits you can get from adding berries to your diet. They’re a strong source of antioxidants which add to the improved communication between your brain cells as well as reduced brain inflammation and cognitive decline.
• Pumpkin Seeds. The magnesium, zinc, iron and copper found in pumpkin seeds are incredibly important to brain health. Magnesium is needed for memory and learning, lack of iron results in “brain fog,” and copper and zinc assist with nerve signaling.
• Dark Chocolate. It may surprise you, but chocolate can actually be good for you! Dark chocolate is made with cacao that contains flavonoids which seem to contribute to brain health. One study even found that flavonoids may stimulate blood flow to the brain and encourage neuron and blood vessel growth which aids in memory and learning.

Experience Mental Health Support at The Oaks at Denville

While the food choices you make have an impact, they aren’t the only way to encourage brain health. In fact, it can be influenced by an assortment of factors, and The Oaks at Denville supports many of these factors with activities and amenities right here on our campus. Expand your mind and strengthen your knowledge at our extensive on-site library. Join in one of our many Total Brain Health and Brain Workout classes. No matter how you choose to keep your brain healthy, The Oaks at Denville can assist you in designing a program to help you with your goals.

Contact our team today to learn more about how The Oaks at Denville encourages healthy brain function for every resident.