Enjoying a high quality of life, retaining memory, and the ability to learn, are essential as you age.
Your genes, lifestyle, and environment can all impact your cognitive health.
But can eating a specific food or following a special diet help prevent age-related mental decline or even Alzheimer’s disease?
Recent research suggests that what you eat may affect your cognitive health as you age. One diet that shows promise is the Mediterranean diet, and a variation of this eating pattern called the MIND diet.
Both diets emphasize plant-based meals, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil. These diets also limit the intake of red meat, butter, eggs, and sugar.
While there is no evidence that eating a specific food or vitamin supplement can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or age-related cognitive decline, some foods are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that might protect the brain.
For example, consumption of green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale is associated with slower rates of cognitive decline, perhaps due to the nutrients vitamin K, lutein, and folate.
Avocados provide a naturally good source of vitamin K (10% DV), folate (10% DV), and 136 micrograms of lutein per 1/3 of a medium avocado.
Lutein is a carotenoid that some research suggests may help maintain eye health as we age. Virtually the only fresh fruit with good fats, avocados can play a dual role in helping people meet both fruit and good fat recommendations.
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy fresh avocado today:
Toss a green-leafy salad with fresh, sliced avocado, garbanzo beans, and roasted carrots.
Top grilled fish with this Mango, Papaya and Avocado Salsa.
Create a vegetarian quesadilla with a creamy avocado dipping sauce.
