Eating Fruits and Vegetables is Good for Your Brain

A recent study published in the journal Age and Ageing shows that eating fruits and vegetables is good for your brain. In fact, people who eat the recommended five servings of fruits or vegetables a day have a decreased chance of developing dementia.

The Study

The study looked at the diet and health of almost 18,000 older adults over the course of six years. None of the participants showed signs of dementia at the start of the study. Those who consumed at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit every day had significantly lower risk of developing dementia after six years. Participants who consumed at least three additional fruit portions per day further reduced their risk.

Why Do Fruit and Vegetables Affect Brain Health?

While this study was not designed to determine exactly why fruits and vegetables can lower dementia risk, researchers made educated guesses about the connection. Inflammation may play a role in the development of dementia, and the anti-oxidants and other anti-inflammatory properties in nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables may help counter toxic processes in the body.

Get More Fruits and Vegetables Every Day

As important as it is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, many of us still need help working more of these healthy foods into our diets. Here are some tips for getting a few more servings into your daily routine.

• Start with breakfast. Try topping your cereal with berries or a sliced banana. Blend several of your favorite fruits together and add some kale or spinach leaves to create a delicious breakfast smoothie. A smoothie is not only an easy breakfast, it also counts and two servings of fruit! If you are having an omelet, be sure to include peppers, tomatoes, or onions. Whole fruit is always a great option for an on-the-go breakfast or morning snack.
• Add extra veggies. If you are eating pizza, choose extra vegetable toppings or double your favorites. When making soup, toss in extra greens or other vegetable ingredients. Don’t be afraid to add cucumbers, green or red peppers, sliced apples, sprouts, or spinach as sandwich toppings.
• Keep them visible. Make it easy to snack on fruits and vegetables. Stock a bowl with fresh fruit and have it out on the counter. Have sliced carrots, broccoli, celery, snap peas, and sweet peppers available in the refrigerator. Put them in bags for grab-and-go portions.
• Have a healthy dessert. Frozen bananas and grapes become special treats when frozen. For a bonus, dip the banana in dark chocolate before freezing. Chocolate-covered strawberries and blueberries are delicious, too.

Parc Provence is the Leader in Memory Care

While many of us do all we can to protect our minds, the unfortunate truth is genetic factors, illness and injury mean that some people will develop cognitive disorders. At Parc Provence, we provide compassionate, engaging care for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other forms of memory loss. We also provide support for the family members and loved ones of our residents.

If you would like to learn more about residential memory care at Parc Provence, contact us today. Schedule your tour of our home-like community and learn how our innovative Person-Centered Care can make a difference for your loved one. Because every moment matters.