Keeping your brain healthy and well-functioning is essential to overall health and vitality. After all, the brain is responsible for governing the body’s systems, from motor function to mood.
As our partner P. Allen Smith knows, our diet influences so many aspects of our overall health, and one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy is by eating ‘brain-boosting’ foods. It’s critically important that we include these foods in our diets to keep our minds sharp as we age.
1. Salmon
Chef Randy’s garlic butter baked salmon dish is not only delicious, but it’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are also proven to help reduce inflammation, protect the brain from age-related damage, and provide the body with a healthy amount of vitamin B12. Including salmon in your diet is a great way to boost brain health!
2. Nuts
Nuts are a great source of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin E, all important nutrients for the brain that allow more clear and positive thinking. Vitamin E, in particular, is associated with improved cognitive function, so it is a crucial component to regulating brain function and protecting the brain from age-related damage. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts are especially beneficial for brain health.
3. Eggs
At the Gardens of Somerset, we are committed to providing our residents with a 100% farm-to-table experience! All of our eggs are locally sourced from Double BB Farms. They are a great source of protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, which can help prevent brain shrinkage. The yolk is extremely important, as it is very high in choline, a vital nutrient for brain health. It can help improve memory and cognitive function.
4. Leafy greens
Dark leafy greens are a great source of nutrients for the brain. These greens include kale, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, arugula, and many more. All of these options are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can improve brain function and protect from damage. We plan to grow plenty of leafy greens fresh in our on-site greenhouse at the Gardens of Somerset with the help of our partner, P. Allen Smith!
5. Dark Chocolate
It’s true, dark chocolate is important for promoting brain health! Chef Randy incorporates this superfood into many healthy, yet delicious desserts here at the Gardens of Somerset. This delicious snack is packed full of flavonoids, antioxidants, and important minerals, such as magnesium. Who knew that something so tasty can potentially protect cognitive function and lower the risk of dementia?
Conclusion
Incorporating these foods into your diet is just one of the many ways to keep your mind sharp. Eating healthy is something that we take very seriously at the Gardens of Somerset, but we also encourage our residents to live a healthy and active lifestyle through gardening, cooking, and all of the things we enjoy the most. We hope that you’ll join us in our commitment to eating healthy and living well!
