7 Foods that Boost Senior Brain-Power

Aging typically brings some loss of physical and/or mental capability, but there are many ways seniors can fight back against the “inevitable.” Regular exercise and mental engagement keep your body and mind as strong and healthy as possible. So does eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet. In fact, certain foods have been shown to actually improve mental performance and memory.

These brain-smart foods can help sustain cognitive processes as you age and keep your cherished memories safe and sound. Even better, Harvard Health reports that the best brain foods also help protect your heart and blood vessels.

So, be sharp! Indulge in these brain-friendly foods as often as you can.

1. Fatty Fish
In most cases, you want to avoid fatty foods, but fish is the exception. Many popular varieties such as salmon, sardines, cod, mackerel, lake trout, and canned light tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy unsaturated fats can lower blood pressure, enhance mental performance, improve nerve activity within the brain, and help prevent build-up in the brain of amyloid-beta peptide, which is associated with advancing Alzheimer’s disease. Experts recommend two servings of fatty fish weekly.

Not a fish fan? Avocados, flaxseeds, and walnuts also contain hefty amounts of omega-3, or you can ask your doctor about taking a substitute.

2. Eggs
Multiple nutrients in eggs such as folate, choline, and vitamins B6 and B12 all contribute to brain health and help slow cognitive decline.

3. Green, leafy veggies
Green vegetables are vital to every well-balanced meal plan. Many contain brain-friendly vitamins, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and other healthy fats. Which are best? It’s usually the flavonoids and antioxidants that produce the colors you see, so an easy rule of thumb is, the darker the color, the more nutritious it is.

4. Berries
Like veggies, many fruits are replete with brain-boosting goodness, whether they are fresh, frozen, or dried. The same darker-color-is-better rule applies here. Research conducted at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital revealed that women who ate at least two servings of strawberries or blueberries weekly delayed memory decline by as much as 2.5 years!

5. Nuts and Seeds
Several types of nuts and seeds are packed with healthy proteins and oils. For example, vitamin E found in sunflower seeds and almonds not only supports brain health as you age, certain studies indicate it can also reduce risk of Alzheimer’s. One study linked walnut consumption with higher cognitive test scores.

6. Tea and Coffee
It’s not just your imagination, studies have shown that higher levels of caffeine improve mental function and help retain new memories.

7. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate-lovers rejoice, knowing that dark chocolate contains high levels of flavonoids and antioxidants and caffeine that stimulate brain alertness and boost both long- and short-term memory. Dark chocolate is also known for its mood-boosting power. Now you have more excuses to eat more chocolate!

Come Get a Taste of Magnolia Manor

Here at Magnolia Manor, we’re well-known for our delicious meals and snacks. Our residents expect flavor and variety – and rightly so. But we want every senior to enjoy maximum nutritional advantages as well, so you’ll find plenty of the above ingredients on our menus. That said, menus differ for each of our nine campuses, because we also feature local cuisine favorites.

You can check out a sample menu, but wouldn’t you rather come visit, so you can join us for lunch? You can get the full flavor of any of our campuses by scheduling a personal tour and meal by calling 855-540-LIFE (5433).