Dietary manipulations is a viable strategy for enhancing cognitive abilities. Researchers have uncovered some of the basic principles that are involved in the actions of certain foods and nutrients on the brain. Incorporating this knowledge into your daily meal planning will improve your cognitive ability or thinking power, now and in the future. Following are a list of nutrients and foods essential for brainpower for this holiday season and beyond.
- Chlorine – helps maintain a healthy memory function – this nutrient is available in egg yolks, soy beef, chicken, veal, turkey liver, and lettuce.
- The combination of vitamins C, E, and carotene – taken in an antioxidant vitamin form delays cognitive decline in the elderly available in citrus fruits, several plants and vegetables, calf and beef liver.
- Calcium, zinc, selenium and high serum calcium – the lack of these nutrients are associated with lower cognitive function- calcium is found in milk. Zinc is available in oysters, in smaller amounts in beans, nuts, almonds, whole grains, and sunflower seeds. Selenium is available in nuts, cereals, meat, fish, and eggs.
- Copper – low levels of this nutrient is associated with cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Copper is available from oysters, beef/lamb liver, Brazil nuts, blackstrap molasses, cocoa, and black pepper.
- Iron – treatments of this nutrient normalizes cognitive function in young women. It is found in red meat, fish, poultry, lentils, and beans.
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