{"blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"We know eating the proper foods can help maintain healthy weight, clear up skin problems and relieve a number of medical issues. But what about strengthening our brains? Dietician Ngaire Hobbins, who’s set to release her new self-published book “Eat To Cheat Dementia” on March 15, tells us five foods we should be eating to keep our minds sharp as we age."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"

Chicken
“Protein found in foods like chicken creates a reserve supply of fuel for the brain,” explains Hobbins. “Low fuel [allows] damage to accumulate, which seems to be one of the causes of dementia. So if we can keep the fuel supply up, then we can reduce the chance of dementia.”
Blueberries
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“Blueberries protect glial cells from damage and are full of antioxidants,” reveals Hobbins. “The glial cells are extremely important for removing toxins. If toxins build up in the cells, then tiny amounts of damage happen over time that may lead to Alzheimer’s development.” She adds that varying your source of antioxidants from foods like cranberries and apples ups the ante when it comes to combating cell aging and degeneration.
Salmon, mackerel and sardines
Consuming fatty fishes has been proven to help with a variety of health factors, including preventing heart disease, but they are crucial to our mental health as well because of their anti-inflammatory properties. “They have essential fatty acids that are helpful to reduce inflammation in the body,” notes Hobbins. “Anti-inflammatory foods work alongside regular exercise to avoid the overstimulation in our immune systems that is thought to contribute to the accumulation of amyloid (a major contributor to Alzheimer’s dementia).”
Yogurt
“Having a fermented food like yogurt assists in producing good bacteria in the gut,” reveals Hobbins. “This benefits the brain because there is communication, in a chemical sense, between the gut and the brain. So if you eat things that make your gut more healthy, your brain is more healthy.” She adds that a healthy gut regulates the immune system and prevents inflammation, which is a leading cause of dementia.
Red wine
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Does your sharp-as-a-tack grandmother swear by her glass of wine? She may be on to something. “Resveratrol is found in red wine and has a specific, very helpful role in brain cells,” says Hobbins. “It activates proteins called sirtuins, which help with brain plasticity. That means if there are damaged cells, the brain is healthy enough to go around them and find healthier ones so the brain can still function optimally.”

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Chicken

Blueberries

Salmon, mackerel and sardines

Yogurt

Red wine

Jordi Lippe

NypJordiLippe@RoundtableIO

5 foods that will improve your memory