The Top 10 Foods for a Healthy Brain

Brain health is an important topic for people of all ages, but it only gets more relevant to our well-being as we age. Luckily, promoting brain health can be absolutely delicious, as our Executive Chef Tony Aloise demonstrates with his list of the Top-10 Brain Foods (listed in no particular order).

Salmon

The Good Stuff:
Omega-3 fatty acids
Protein
Vitamin D

Studies Show:
Slows mental degeneration
Stabilizes mood changes

Flax Seeds

The Good Stuff:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Lignans
Fiber
Protein

Studies Show:
Reduce inflammation
Promote healthy brain cells

Walnuts

The Good Stuff:
Carbohydrates
Protein
Unsaturated fatty acids
Fiber
Calcium
Iron
Zinc

Studies Show:
Improve reaction to stress
Help you think more clearly
Benefit memory and other cognitive functions

Sardines

The Good Stuff:
B Vitamins
Vitamin D
Omega-3 fatty acids
Niacin
Protein
Phosphorus
Calcium
Potassium

Studies Show:
Supports a healthy nervous system
Reduces likelihood of Alzheimer’s
Helps control blood sugar levels

Green Tea

The Good Stuff:
Enzymes
Amino Acids
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Sterols
Catechins
Polyphenols
Carotenoids
Tocopherols
Vitamins

Studies Show:
Alleviate mental fatigue
Boost brain function

Chocolate

The Good Stuff:
Antioxidants, particularly flavonols

Studies Show:
Improves circulation
Reduces blood pressure
Boosts cognitive abilities
Lowers cholesterol
Stimulates the brain

Eggs

The Good Stuff:
Amino Acids
Retinol (Vitamin A)
B Vitamins
Choline
Iron
Calcium
Phosphorus
Potassium

Studies Show:
Promotes brain development
Improves motor function and memory

Blueberries

The Good Stuff:
Vitamin C
Manganese
Vitamin K
Dietary Fiber

Studies Show:
Minimizes stroke-related brain damage
Improves memory
Reduces risk of inflammation and cancer
Controls blood pressure
Lowers cholesterol

Avocados

The Good Stuff:
Monounsaturated fatty acids

Studies Show:
Protects nerve cells in the brain called astrocytes
Maintains healthy blood pressure (helping prevent stroke)
Lowers cholesterol

Spinach

The Good Stuff:
Folic Acid
Enzymes

Studies Show:
Helps prevent dementia, particularly in women
Strengthens synapses
Boosts neurotransmitters
Regulates water retention

And there you have it! These are all foods that you can find in every one of our Senior Lifestyle communities. The best part is that they don’t just promote brain health–they are mouth-wateringly delicious as well! Keep an eye out for some fun and easy recipes in future posts…