Brain Health on Whole Plant-Based Diet GWilkerson06/12/2015 Plant Based Nutrition
Is A Plant-Based Diet Better for Brain Health? Albert Einstein, wrote: “It is my view that the vegetarian manner of living, by its purely physical effect on the human temperament, would most beneficially influence the lot of mankind. So I am living without fats, without meat, without fish, and am feeling quite well this way. It always seems to me that man was not born to be a carnivore.” An article from Forks Over Knives: Brain Food: New Study Shows Healthy Diet
Can Protect Against Memory Loss This new study, published in Neurology found that eating healthfully is the best way to preserve memory, and mental sharpness and brain health as you age. The study followed almost 28,000 adults aged 55 and older from 40 different countries. Researchers rated participants’ diets over five years, giving higher points for fruits, vegetables, whole grains; and lower points for red meat and processed foods.
Brain health
The healthiest eaters were 24% less likely to have cognitive decline. Fruits and vegetables were rated at the healthiest end of the scale and red meat and deep-fried foods at the unhealthiest end. “Choosing fruits and vegetables over meats, dairy products, and eggs could cut the risk of serious memory problems,” says Physicians Committee president Neal Barnard, MD. “Evidence has shown that what is good for the heart is good for brain Health.”
“In general, any dietary change that increases your consumption of whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can positively impact your brain health.” ~ Matthew Lederman, M. D., medical advisor to Forks Over Knives. Essential Fatty Acids Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Brain Health Through All Stages of Life The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, are associated with many aspects of brain health. Dr. Joel Furhman recommends supplementing these since most modern diets are low in DHA and EPA. In adults, omega-3 adequacy helps to maintain optimal brain function, prevent depression and lay the groundwork for better brain health later in life. Whatever your age, maintaining adequate omega-3 stores is crucial. Both for now And for the later-life health and functionality of your brain.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Source # 2: Chia seeds
Turmeric From The Food Revolution Network: How Turmeric Can Save the Aging Brain From Dementia and Premature Death
“Anti-inflammatory: Curcumin has been found to play a protective role against βamyloid protein associated inflammation.
Anti-oxidative: Curcumin may reduce damage via antioxidant properties.
Anti-cytotoxic: Curcumin appears to protect against the cell-damaging effects of βamyloid proteins.
Anti-amyloidogenic: Turmeric contains a variety of compounds (curcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) which may strike to the root pathological cause of Alzheimer’s disease by preventing β-amyloid protein formation.
Neurorestorative: Curcuminoids appear to rescue long-term potentiation (an indication of functional memory) impaired by amyloid peptide, and may reverse physiological damage by restoring distorted neurites and disrupting existing plaques.
Metal-chelating properties: Curcumin has a higher binding affinity for iron and copper rather than zinc, which may contribute to its protective effect in Alzheimer’s disease, as iron-mediated damage may play a pathological role.
The Article also lists coconut oil, cocoa, sage and other substances.
Essential Facts about Fats By Alan Goldhamer, D.C. Excess consumption of fat is a major cause of disease and premature death in modern societies. It is intimately associated with the current epidemic levels of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and breast, colon and prostate cancers. The best way to get your needed essential fatty acids is by eating a health-promoting diet derived exclusively from whole natural plant-based foods. That we need essential fatty acids does not mean that we need animal foods, oils, or expensive supplements. John McDougall, M.D. is fond of saying, “People love to hear good news about their bad habits.” No Magic Pill For brain health, or all health, the consumption of ‘healthy’ choices are beneficial, but the effect may be lost/reduced with the consumption of ‘unhealthy’ choices. The beneficial effect of fruit may be lost if prepared with high amounts of fats or sugars. Data suggests that an overall healthy diet is more important than the consumption of any one particular food. Conclusion
For brain health or full body health, it would be very convenient if health could be bought in a bottle. But health results from healthful living. The best way to get the essential fatty acids you need is by eating a health-promoting diet derived exclusively from whole natural foods. Also avoid food cooked in aluminum cookware.
http://www.plant-strong-health-blog-by-gary.com/brain-health-on-whole-plant-based-diet/