The brain is one of the most important organs in the body. It does so much, but few people stop to think about how to keep it healthy. You focus on heart health, lung health, skin health, etc., but the brain needs to be kept in pristine condition for the rest of your body to function correctly.
It’s recommended that you help with brain health by focusing on foods that help keep the blood vessels healthy. Doctors often recommend following the principles of the Mediterranean diet. For your brain’s health, these foods are some of the best to have every day.
Almonds and Walnuts
Nuts contain fatty acids that help with blood vessel health and lower blood pressure. Walnuts are a particularly good source of alpha-linolenic acid. If your parents don’t like the bitterness of a walnut, roasting them helps. Otherwise, salad dressings made with walnut oil are beneficial.
Berries
Berries are packed with antioxidants that help with cell health. It’s so easy to add them to the daily diet. Put a handful of berries in yogurt parfaits with homemade oatmeal, add them to a tossed salad, or chop them up with some onions, red peppers, green peppers, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice for a fresh salsa that’s great on broiled chicken or fish.
Start your parents off each morning with a cup of coffee or tea and a quick fruit smoothie that’s made with orange or naturally sweetened cranberry juice and a mix of frozen red raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries.
High-Fat Fish
Fatty fish contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of beta-amyloid build up in the brain’s blood vessels.
The best fatty fish to add to the diet each week are cod, pollack, salmon, and tuna. Sardines are also ideal and have the added benefit of increasing calcium intake.
Leafy Green Vegetables
One cup of cooked fresh leafy greens is a good addition to a meal. If your parents want a raw spinach salad, two cups are the right serving size.
Spinach, kale, and chard are three of the best leafy greens. Saute them with a little olive oil, garlic, and black pepper for a quick side dish with grilled salmon.
How good are your parents’ dietary habits as they age? Are they prone to ordering takeout because it’s easier? If so, it’s important to address meal preparation assistance from a home care agency.
With home care, your parents eat well without having to cook. Talk to them and make arrangements today.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Sun City, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Blessings for Seniors Companion Care at (623) 594-0819
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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