How to Fight Dementia with Food: Delicious and Helpful Foods Items for Senior Citizens

Dementia is a condition that affects your brain and makes it hard to remember things, think clearly, or make decisions. It can also be caused by depression, chronic illness, or other brain diseases. There is professional support available to treat Dementia along with memory care facilities. But it’s always better to go for prevention than cure. 

Luckily, there are ways to slow down the process of this illness. One of the most effective ways is maintaining a diet that contains a lot of brain foods. These foods are also beneficial for gut health. And that, in return, helps your body produce more critical nutrients needed to function properly.

This blog post will talk about nine food items that can help you have healthier brain health outcomes. Read on to figure out how you can fight Dementia with food!

Dementia and Gut Health

Dementia is a progressive disease that gets affected by the things you do and don’t eat. It also impacts our gut health which is an often-overlooked factor when fighting Dementia. The microbiome in our gut contains good bacteria called ”probiotics.” These probiotics work as a natural defense against inflammation-causing microbes. And they have been linked to an increased risk of developing Dementia. As we age, our body produces less stomach acid than usual. That results in an increased risk for developing Dementia.

Now let’s have a look at these nine food items that can lower the risk of this debilitating illness called Dementia:

Leafy Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables are best for our minds and bodies. Such as kale, spinach, cabbage, or collard greens. These vegetables have lots of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. And they can help fight Dementia as well as keep the mind sharp. Also, leafy vegetables are rich in folate, which is necessary for brain development.

Apart from these, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, carrots, and beets are also good options. They are rich in vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B12. They are necessary for the development and function of brain cells.

Fish

Fishes are a great source of omega-three fatty acids. That can help lower the risk of inflammation, which leads to Dementia. Salmon, mackerel, and sardines also have high levels of these acids. These fats aid in blood flow, so your brain cells get enough oxygen or do their job properly. It helps to keep neurons healthy and developed for optimal function.

Mushrooms

The healthy compounds in mushrooms help slow down or even prevent cognitive decline. They also contain a lot of vitamin D! Vitamin D is essential for preventing Dementia and proper brain function. Eating mushrooms have also been shown to help prevent obesity. The great thing about it is that it can be used in almost any dish – pasta sauces, salads, or even pizza toppings!

Berries

Berries are considered excellent brain foods and a diet rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids are effective in lowering the likelihood of developing Dementia. Berries are also filled with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber content. That helps your body fight off free radicals from happening in the system. And that is a major cause of the cognitive decline. 

Besides, these nutrients promote good blood circulation. That protects our veins from becoming clogged up. So there really isn’t any need for worry when it comes down to eating fresh produce like this all day long!

Nuts

Nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, and peanuts are rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E is essential for cognitive function. These nuts and are best eaten raw or lightly toasted. They also offer a good dose of omega-three fatty acids.

So it’s best to have some nuts on hand in your kitchen cabinets at all times! Not only are they beneficial for the body, but give you an opportunity to make delicious recipes. Like almond honey butter cookies and cashew curry chicken!

Whole Grains

If you want to fight Dementia with food, you should add a lot of whole grains to your diet. Whole grains are a rich source of fiber, several B vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, and nutrients. They lower your total cholesterol as well as the risk for heart disease. They also provide certain important antioxidants that promote brain health. Some of the best whole grain items include barley, brown rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, and quinoa. 

Poultry

Poultry such as chicken, duck, turkey provides a lot of heart-healthy proteins. They also contain omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins that offer neuroprotective benefits. Eating white meat twice a week positively affects the protein levels in the blood. Poultry can also be good for gut bacteria. Gut bacteria play an important role in preventing Dementia.

The best way to cook poultry is by roasting it or boiling it in water. So that there isn’t a lot of excess fat and grease sticking on the meat.

Beans

Beans are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support a healthy brain and heart. Kidney beans specifically have high levels of these essential fats. That helps regulate blood sugar hours after consumption by lowering cholesterol.

Beans also contain fiber to keep you full for longer. As well as antioxidants that fight free radicals in your cells. That too while providing many vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health.

Dark Chocolate

Yes, you read that right! Dark chocolate can be very helpful in fighting Dementia. One of the many benefits of dark chocolate is that it can relax your arteries. That increases blood flow to the brain. Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids. According to some studies, these compounds stimulate new neuron growth. And that improves memory function in older adults.

Dark chocolate is best eaten with a high cocoa content of at least 70%. The lower-cocoa versions can have added sugar. So if it’s consumed too much, it will lead to weight gain and diabetes.

Conclusion

A healthy diet is a crucial component in the prevention of Dementia. Also, for improving overall cognitive health. All these small changes can make a huge difference in your overall health and quality of life.

So start trying these healthy but delicious food to fight Dementia today!