Boost your brain health with the Mediterranean diet

New evidence this month links the Mediterranean diet to a “healthier and younger” brain, which keeps more volume as its age.  This is not the first study to back this easy-to-follow diet, which is recommended by the American Alzheimer Association, for its help in maintaining memory and cognitive function as our brains age.  The diet has also been linked to reducing your risk of Parkinson’s disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes, and a healthy weight.  The Mediterranean diet includes incorporating whole, unprocessed foods into your diet and limiting most dairy and red meat. 
 
The Mediterranean diet is easier to follow than you think! Foods on this diet include: 

• Legumes, like chickpeas
• Vegetables, especially dark and leafy, such as eggplant, kale, and spinach

• Certain nuts and seeds, like almonds
• Foods with healthy fats, like fish, nuts, and olive oil are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support cognitive function and decrease the aging of the brain
• Whole grains, full of fiber
• Fruits, especially antioxidant-rich berries
• The occasional glass of red wine, which contains the compound resveratrol, a compound with antioxidants to help fight free radicals of aging

 
Easy snacks to boost your brain function and fuel your body throughout your day:

• Hummus with raw vegetables
• Handful of nuts, like almonds or cashews
• Olives
• Fresh fruits

 
Increasingly, the idea of “food as medicine” is being embraced by the medical community.  NeuroRehab Services incorporates the Mediterranean diet into our Mind, Body, Spirit approach to health and helping you.  NRS treats the whole person and addresses root causes when addressing brain injuries.  Contact us today to see how we can help! 

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