With an ever-ageing population it is predicted that by 2030, 20% of people over 65 will have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, the first symptoms of which are depression, irritability, confusion and forgetfulness. In Europe alone 1 million people develop impaired memory every year, more than half of which will be later diagnosed with dementia. About 70% of dementia is really Alzheimer’s disease (diagnosed by a CT scan) with cerebrovascular dementia (a circulation disease) accounting for most other cases.
Cinnamon has the ability to boost memory and enhance intellectual capabilities. Sprinkling cinnamon on food is considered to improve mental functions and help in the effective treatment of brain fog. Cinnamon also is considered beneficial in the management of digestive disorders and treatment of diabetes as stabilizing insulin levels.
Avocados are almost as good as blueberries in promoting brain health. Avocados are a fatty fruit with monounsaturated fats which contributes to healthy blood flow, resulting in healthy flow to the brain. Avocados also lower blood pressure, while hypertension is a risk factor for causing a decline in cognitive abilities, a lower blood pressure promotes brain health.
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that a good intake of vitamin E might help to prevent cognitive decline, particularly in the elderly. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E along with leafy green vegetables, asparagus, olives, and seeds.
Coconut oil contains nature’s most abundant source of MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), and it is an easily convertible fuel source for ketones, which is a high energy source for the brain. Also, it is one of nature’s richest sources of saturated fat which is needed to produce HDL cholesterol to feed the brain for energy. With the brain being comprised of mostly cholesterol and fat, it is necessary in the diet to feed the brain, but best in a non-animal source.
At Duke & Emory University, a four month clinical trial was done of combining aerobic exercise with diet and caloric restriction showed that neurocognitive function was improved. When one stays or becomes active, eat healthfully (less meat and saturated fat and more fruits and vegetables), and work to keep your weight down, not only does your body benefit from improved blood pressure, fitness, and cardiac health, but your brain function improves as well.
There has been millions spent on research for Nervous system disorders, especially Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Parkinsons Disease. There are some simple food items and activities that can help ease the progression of Dementia, Parkinsons Disease, memory loss and brain fog issues. From Cinnamon, to Avocados, foods containing high Vitamin E content of leafy green vegetables, asparagus, olives and seeds to Coconut Oil, all of these have proven a brain-feeding and preventative action of nervous system health issues. Exercise is quite an important component to overall health and to keeping the brain active, along with fine-tuned motor skills. Caloric restriction benefits can be achieved by cutting out high glycemic index foods including starches, sugars and grains and substituting more raw plant fats such as seeds, nuts, avocados, olives and coconut.