Today we heard from Richard Dienstbier about “Nutrition for the Aging Brain” or “How Nutrition can MAKE US SMARTER.” It takes some mental challenges and enrichment, along with good physical exercise, along with good nutrition to help us becoming a bit smarter and avoid Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Dienstbier said that the brain divides at midline. He explained how the brain stores things so that we can recall memories. As we get older our resisting cognitive declines, and how the brain can lose neurons which can cause dementia. He talked about the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is: he Mediterranean diet or way of eating is a plant-heavy diet that focuses more on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and legumes with some lean proteins from fish and poultry, and good fats from things like extra virgin olive oil. As you see at the very top of the Mediterranean diet pyramid are red meats and sweets which are enjoyed less frequently.
He talked about some trials that were conducted with the Mediterranean (Med) diet and what they found was that those who did not do the Med diet had some problems, but those who were on the Med diet (extra olive oil) did much better. You need to do away with a lot of saturated fat, and olive oil helps enhances cogitation.
There is also the Mediterranean DASH diet. What is included in this diet is lots of green leafy veggies plus one other vegetable; three whole grains; lots of nuts, beans, berries, sea food, poultry, olive oil and wine; berries and green leafy vegetables are greatly emphasized; minimize red meat, butter or margarine, pastries and sweets, any fried/fast food.
Remember if you want to be smart – eat lots of green leafy veggies, whole grains, nuts, beans, berries, sea food, poultry and use olive oil wherever you can.