Showing posts with label Secret. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Secret. Show all posts

Blueberries Take On Alzheimer's, Nature's Secret Fighter

You have probably heard that blueberries make for a great addition to your daily diet, but did you know that they have also been proven to fight off Alzheimer's? Alzheimer's is a very common form of dementia. Blueberries have already been proven to help reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, but new research shows that the antioxidants found in blueberries could also be the key to helping you fight off Alzheimer's as well. This is great news because Alzheimer's already affects an estimated 5.3 million adults in the U.S. This number is expected to increase by 2025 to 7 million people. Taking positive steps to reduce your risk for Alzheimer's is a great way to tackle this disease head on. 

Another reason that blueberries retain their status as a super fruit is that they have been shown to boost memory and overall cognitive function. This is especially true for older adults and for people who have actually suffered from cognitive impairments at some point. The driving force behind the positive effect of blueberries on your overall brain function is anthocyanins, which are antioxidant pigments. While all forms of berries are generally healthy for you because they are very high in antioxidants, one of the things that make blueberries stand out is that they have the highest antioxidant content of all berries. Antioxidants work to fight harmful free radicals in the brain.

If you are looking for additional ways to keep your brain sharp and Alzheimer's at bay, then you consider adding foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. A great source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish, including salmon and tuna. You might also be able to take a supplement to get your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids if you are not able to eat fish on a regular basis. 

In addition to changing your diet to boost your cognitive functions, you can take proactive steps to keep your brain otherwise active. A huge step in the right direction for this is to get regular physical exercise. This can increase your circulation and make sure that enough oxygen gets to your brain to keep it sharp. Along with getting regular exercise, you should try to mix in as much social interaction as you can. Research shows that seniors who make a point of interacting with others on a regular basis are less likely to become depressed or develop symptom's of Alzheimer's. To kill two birds with one stone, you could arrange to exercise on a daily basis with friends. Mix in some blueberries for a healthy snack, and you have yourself a winning combination for beating Alzheimer's.