Nuts like almonds, pistachios and macadamias each bring something special to the table. Almonds help improve memory, pistachio nut oils help preserve fatty acids and prevent inflammation, and macadamias contribute to normal brain function.
Both walnuts and almonds are keto-friendly and great nuts for heart health. When it comes to weight loss and blood sugar control, almonds are the winners, but walnuts take the lead regarding brain health.
Eating nuts regularly is good for your brain. Nut consumption is linked to better cognitive function, reduced risk of depression, better mood, and enhanced memory, learning and attention capacity. Nuts contain fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which have essential roles in many aspects of brain health.
Certain fruits such as oranges, bell peppers, guava, kiwi, tomatoes, and strawberries, contain high amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps prevent brain cells from becoming damaged and supports overall brain health. In fact, a study found that vitamin C can potentially prevent Alzheimer's.
A number of scientific studies have demonstrated their actions against inflammation, oxidative damage, the aging process, as well as dementia or memory loss. However, only walnuts, followed by almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios, have shown promising results in empirical studies for memory improvements.
Pistachios may have a role in improved brain function
Loma Linda University (LLU) researchers found that eating nuts on a regular basis enhances brainwave frequencies associated with cognition, learning, memory, recall and other key brain functions.
For researchers, walnuts are the top nut for brain health. Particularly, for this reason: They have a significantly high concentration of DHA, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. Some researchers suggest that DHA may be the key to boosting your brain's performance and preventing age-related cognitive decline.
B vitamins like B6, B12, and B9 (folic acid) all play a role in brain health.
The best snacks for people with Alzheimer's are lean protein snacks, vegetables, low-dairy snacks, fruits, and whole-grain snacks. Try to reduce high saturated fats and cholesterol. Of course, some healthy fat is necessary for a good diet.
Forgetfulness can arise from stress, depression, lack of sleep or thyroid problems. Other causes include side effects from certain medicines, an unhealthy diet or not having enough fluids in your body (dehydration). Taking care of these underlying causes may help resolve your memory problems.
White foods, including pasta, cakes, white sugar, white rice and white bread. Consuming these causes a spike in insulin production and sends toxins to the brain. Microwave popcorn contains diacetyl, a chemical that may increase amyloid plaques in the brain.
Dark chocolate may also improve the function of your brain. Studies show that eating high flavanol cocoa can improve blood flow to the brain in young adults. This may explain why eating cocoa daily appears to improve attention, verbal learning, and memory ( 17 ).
What are the foods that fight memory loss? Berries, fish, and leafy green vegetables are 3 of the best foods that fight memory loss. There's a mountain of evidence showing they support and protect brain health.
Poultry, like chicken or turkey, pack in lean protein, choline, and iron, all of which support cognitive function, research shows. The American Hearst Association suggests opting for lean meat low in saturated fats, like poultry, over red or processed meats to keep your cholesterol at a heart-healthy level.
A study published today in Frontiers in Nutrition showed that regular consumption of avocados is linked to better cognition.