7 Foods That Will Help You Fight Against Dementia

Prevalence of dementia is a grave matter as it is a progressive disease that is on the rise. Around 50 million people were diagnosed with the syndrome in 2017, and the number is expected to double every five years.

Dementia is a degenerative disease that attacks a person’s memory, behavior, and cognitive abilities. It depletes the patient’s identity and the entirety of their selves, leaving behind an empty husk in place of the person we once knew. 

Genetics, the health of your heart, head injuries and the aging process all determine your likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia. Short-term memory loss is one of the earliest symptoms of dementia. Complications in communication and behavioral changes such as a consistent state of listlessness are other symptoms associated with the syndrome.

If you see such changes in any of your loved ones or if someone points these changes in you, it’s better to try the BrainTest review at home. Speak to your healthcare provider about the results and book an appointment.

Dementia is a disease that affects not only the patient but also their friends and family. It takes a lot of strength and emotional stability to handle a patient or to keep yourself together if you have been diagnosed with Dementia.

Considering how serious an issue this is, what if we told you that you could prevent the onslaught of dementia on you? What if eating the right foods could help you fight against the disease that is becoming a growing cause of death?

Since what we consume defines how we look on the outside, it is better to eat healthy in the first place. Investing a little in your diet will help you avoid the financial burden of healthcare in your later years.

Here is a list of seven foods that will help you fight against dementia.

Whole grains, beans, and legumes

Dementia degenerates the brain, but if you eat foods rich in minerals that strengthen brain function, you can defeat the disease before it grows.

Whole foods like quinoa and beans are rich in folate, magnesium, and potassium. Gluten-free oats and other healthier foods would not only help you prevent dementia but also assist in controlling your weight.

Berries and cherries

Berries contain anthocyanin which prevents brain damage. They are also good for your digestion because of the fiber they contain. They keep your memory sharp but also keeps the bones strong for postmenopausal women.

Walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds

Consuming nuts has countless benefits. They are an excellent source of unsaturated fats, and Vitamin E. Walnuts contain DHA, a type of Omega 3 fatty acid that improves cognition and ameliorates the decline of cognitive skills in old age. 

Almonds and hazelnuts carry vitamin E which directly reduces cognitive decline in older years. Other nuts like peanuts, cashews, and pecans have lesser evidence for their worth.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds may look tiny, but they are a true nutritional treasure. They are rich in antioxidants which only has positive effects on your health. These seeds contain Omega 3 which is known for its improvement in mental health and memory. It is advised to add pumpkin seeds to a child’s diet because of their support for brain development.

Zinc is another one of the benefits these seeds contain. Zinc is important for healthy functioning of the brain and is an aid to the immune system.

A few pumpkins seeds a day will surely benefit you for a lifetime.

Green vegetables

Nearly all of us have shown reluctance when our parents advised us to consume green vegetables. It turns out, they were right.

Leafy vegetables like kale and spinach are said to be great for the brain. They are an amazing source of Vitamin B9 and folate, both of which are great for cognition. These vegetables are also said to help with depression.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and sprouts contain carotenoids which help with cognitive impairments. So the more greens you consume, the better your brain gets.

Good fats from olive oil and fish

The importance of good fats cannot be repeated enough. Unsaturated fats such as Omega 3 are ideal for nerve function and the health of your heart. Fish is a brilliant source of not only good fats but also other minerals like iron and iodine which are all great for your brain.

Olive oil, on the other hand, contains vitamin E and antioxidants, both of which are ideal for keeping your brain in top shape. Flax seeds are another great source of healthy fats.

Indulge in a little chocolate and coffee

Dark chocolate is ambrosia to your brain. It is a superfood full of antioxidants and the goodness named flavonoids which increase the flow of blood in the cerebral grey matter. Improved cognitive performance is also observed in people who consume dark chocolate regularly. The bitter chocolate is great at fighting free radicals in your body. It promotes the health of your heart and also helps with cholesterol issues.

Coffee is liquid gold when it comes to highly effective psychoactive drugs. Caffeine makes you feel alert because of its ability to stimulate your central nervous system. It boosts your short-term memory and mood. It makes you react quickly and helps you retain information.

All in all, indulging in some dark chocolate and black coffee would only do you good and help you improve your health.

Did you know?

Sage, cinnamon, and turmeric have the abilities to fight dementia? These everyday spice and flavorings are an outstanding source of anti-inflammatory material. These help you break up brain plaque that is related to dementia.

Turmeric blocks beta-amyloids which compromise brain function in the patients with Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia.Curcumin in turmeric is claimed to be a promising aid against this. Adding cinnamon to your morning tea or in desserts would be a good start in developing a new taste. It’s a strong flavor and not something a lot of people are used to; it needs to be added to our diet.

Consuming these healthy foods every once in a bluemoon would not benefit you. You need to try and incorporate these healthy superfoods in your daily life. This change is a process and not an event. It will take time but its worth it.

Dementia is on the rise like an epidemic. A cure is yet to be found. Is it not better to prevent this disease rather than falling prey to it? Let’s all try to make these small changes and help others as well as ourselves.

*This post was written by a guest contributor.*

Ashley Rosa is a freelance writer and blogger. She loves to write articles related to the latest trends in technology and sometimes on health-tech as well.  She is crazy about chocolates. You can find her at twitter: @ashrosa2.