Preventing Memory Loss: Antioxidant Fruits and Vegetables

I receive a weekly newsletter, Brain In The News from Dr. Daniel G. Amen, AmenClinic.com.

The information this week was particularly interesting so I thought I would include part of it here for you. If you are interested in the full issue with the entire five step plan to keeping your brain healthy as you age with a list of beneficial supplements and antioxidants, please email me and I will forward the issue to you. suzanne@suzanneholman.com with "Brain In The News" as the subject line.

Quoting from the newsletter:

Here are some tips to help you stay vital into your senior years. Preventing Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of memory loss requires self love (I deserve to be healthy), a well-researched scientific plan (something that will actually work), and a good prefrontal cortex so that you will follow through on the plan.

Step 1. Know and reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

(He has a comprehensive list of risks in the newsletter.)

Step 2. Reduce Your Risk.

(He has suggestions to reduce your risk for various conditions.)

Step 3. Keep your body and brain active

Physical and mental exercise is the best way to keep your brain young. Mental exercise helps the brain maintain and make new connections. Physical exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, improves oxygen supply and helps the brain use glucose more efficiency and helps protect the brain from molecules that hurt it, such as free radicals.

Step 4. Take antioxidants and supplements

(He has a list of supplements and antioxidants.)

Step 5. Eat to Live Long

You are what you eat. Many people are not aware of the fact that all of your cells make themselves new every 5 months. Food is a drug; intuitively we all know this fact. If you have three donuts for breakfast, how do you feel 30 minutes later? Blah! If you have a large plate of pasta for lunch, how do you feel at 2PM? Blah! The right diet helps you feel good. The wrong diet makes you feel bad. Diet is an extremely important prevention strategy.

The best diet is one that is low in calories (calorie restriction is associated with longevity), high in omega three fatty acids (fish, fish oil, walnuts and avocados), antioxidants (vegetables). The best antioxidant fruits and vegetables according to the US Department of Agriculture include:

Prunes

Raisins

Blueberries

Blackberries

Cranberries

Strawberries

Spinach

Raspberries

Brussel sprouts

Plums

Broccoli

Beets

Avocados

Oranges

Red grapes

Red bell peppers

Cherries

Kiwis

If you are interested in the full issue with the entire five step plan to keeping your brain healthy as you age and the list of supplements and antioxidants useful for various disorders, please email me and I will forward the issue to you. suzanne@suzanneholman.com with "Brain In The News" as the subject line.