Good nutrition is not only the key to a healthy body but also a healthy brain!
For example, a well-balanced Mediterranean diet (like we provide at NutriFit) has been shown to decrease the risk of cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease and dementia. A brain-healthy diet can also reduce homocysteine levels, a risk factor for age-associated cognitive decline.
Leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale & romaine lettuce) are high in folate and B vitamins which can affect brain function, mood and metabolism. Studies on nutrition and the brain have shown that people who eat a brain-healthy diet of at least one portion of leafy vegetables per day had a slower rate of cognitive decline than those who did not. Additionally, cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, etc) have been shown to decrease risk of stroke by decreasing plaque build up and inflammation in the brain.
Polyphenols found in citrus fruits, blueberries, onion, parsley, apples, kiwi (and more) have been associated with promoting memory and learning, reducing brain inflammation and decreasing the risk for dementia.
Along with a proper brain-healthy diet, exercise is also an important factor in maximizing your brain health. Studies on nutrition and the brain have also shown that the combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise can decrease the negative effects of a high fat diet. Resistance training improves cognition as well as muscle strength and bone density which are especially important to focus on as you age.
