When compared to the rest of the body, the brain consumes an immense amount of energy. And according to the National Institutes of Health, the mechanisms involved in the transfer of energy from foods is fundamental to the overall control of brain function. So what does that mean for you? It means the foods you eat and the nutrients your body consumes are imperative for brain health. The good news is that there are ways for active seniors to manage their mental wellness and make it an important part of their everyday wellness routine. In addition to traditional clinical intervention, older adults can engage in various activities and resources to help them gain strong mental health habits.
5 of the Best Essential Nutrients for Brain Health
One of the best ways to fuel your brain is with essential nutrients. Most seniors understand the importance of eating healthy, but sometimes they don’t know exactly what that means. Keep reading to learn about some of the most beneficial essential nutrients for brain health; you may want to incorporate them into your diet.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Regularly incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet has a variety of health and wellness benefits. The superfood has been linked to improvements in general thinking, thought processing and memory. Foods to incorporate into your diet: walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, salmon.
B Vitamins
Vitamin B has been shown to help lower the risk of developing dementia. By improving mental performance, B vitamins offer a variety of benefits essential to the brain. Foods to incorporate into your diet: multivitamins, spinach, broccoli, kale, cauliflower.
K Vitamins
While you may not hear about vitamin K often, it does offer some unique, essential nutrients that support brain health. K vitamins can help prevent heart disease and blood clots, as well as improve brain performance. Foods to incorporate into your diet: basil, broccoli, collard greens, spinach.
E Vitamins
Vitamin E is a powerful essential nutrient that protects cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. What does that mean? It means E vitamins support brain health and aging in adults. Foods to incorporate into your diet: sunflower seeds, almonds, whole grains.
Zinc
Often found in multivitamins, zinc is associated with enhancing memory and thinking abilities. Zinc is also helpful in boosting the immune system and keeping you healthy. Foods to incorporate into your diet: dark chocolate, potatoes, pumpkin seeds.
BONUS: Vitamin D3
Vitamin D has been shown to improve senior health and help combat prevalent issues for seniors like depression. It has also been proven effective at promoting bone health, preventing cancer and improve oral health. Foods to incorporate into your diet: milk, salmon, mushrooms, liver oil supplements. It can sometimes be intimidating to start a new diet, but with just a few small changes to your current eating habits, you can add the essential nutrients your brain needs as you age.
Focus on Healthy Habits at Ventana by Buckner
Ventana by Buckner is a Life Plan Community in the Dallas/Fort Worth area that caters to every stage of retirement. Our luxury retirement community offers an array of amenities and services to help Members thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually without being burdened by activities associated with daily living. Learn more about how we prioritize your health when you contact our team to schedule your personal appointment or click here to schedule your tour.