The AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health has released a report examining the impact of diet on adults 50 and older: “Brain Food: GCBH Recommendations on Nourishing Your Brain Health.”
Long-term healthy eating habits particularly plant-based diets, rich in leafy greens and berries increase the likelihood of maintaining good brain health, according to the council.
The Post-Gazette wrote about the results released by the AARP of its 2017 Brain Health and Nutrition Survey. It involved interviews with more than 2,000 Americans 40 and older. As one might hope, people who consume the recommended average of two cups of fruit and three cups of vegetables on a daily basis scored better for mental well-being and for self-assessed brain health.
The AARP’s consultants on brain health lay out the following recommendations:
1. Make a point of consuming non-juice berries; leafy greens and other fresh vegetables; fish and other seafood; nuts eaten in moderation; and healthy fats such as those in oils, including extra virgin olive oil.
2. It’s also good to include non-berry fruits, beans, poultry, grains and low-fat dairy products such as yogurt.
3. Limit the amount of fried food, pastries, processed foods, red meat, salt and whole-fat dairy products such as cheese and butter.