March 11, 2010

Brain Awareness Week is a great time to hear about what’s new in brain research. But it’s also a great reminder for everyone to take care of their own brain health. There are many healthy ways to maintain and improve the health of your brain. Your diet is one way and here are a few easy tips to help you get started.

Since obesity has been linked with poorer cognitive function, maintaining a healthy weight by eating smaller portions may be helpful for your long-term brain health, so don’t supersize your meals!

Have a rainbow on your plate! An assortment of fruits and vegetables is good for your brain. Just think of the colours of a rainbow, such as:

  • Red: Tomatoes, raspberries, watermelon, cherries, peppers
  • Orange: butternut squash, peaches, papaya
  • Yellow: lemon, sweet yellow peppers, bananas
  • Green: avocados, broccoli, celery, cucumbers, spinach, pears, honeydew
  • Blue/Purple: blackberries, blueberries, purple cabbage, and plums

Blue/Purple fruits and vegetables tend to be packed with anti-oxidants. An important anti-oxidant, quercetin, stimulates an increased production of a neurotransmitter called acetylocholine, and higher intake of quercetin has been linked with better memory function. Quercetin is also found in the skin of apples.

For comprehensive advice and nutritional information, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. recommends that people review the 2007 Canada Food Guide.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. can also help you make a brain health plan focusing on three main areas: your body, mind and spirit. Visit our Healthy Brain section, or visit our Online Events Calendar for an upcoming Healthy Brain workshop in your community.



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