Feeding Our Brains in Summertime

Author

Lely Palms Retirement Community

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Lely Palms

Posted on

Jul 21, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

share-this
Share This

The centerpiece of my kitchen island is a large bowl, spilling over with fresh produce from the farmer’s market. Bulbs of sweet onions, fennel, and Hungarian peppers round out the bunch. My husband says I’ve bought up the entire farm. But one of my gifts is turning the mish mash of vegetables into a healthy summer meal.

There are so many ways to “eat your vegetables” without echoes of your mother in your ear. There are also many reasons to do so, including keeping your brain healthy.

That’s what I tell my husband. And research backs me up on this topic.

Brain Food is Everywhere

New York City hosts every type of restaurant one can imagine. Finding one that is all about brain food health is not difficult. Honeybrains restaurant was the creation of a nutritionist and neurologist. They create menus based on the science of neuronutrition, which is defined as “the nutrition needed to achieve health brain and neurocognitive function.” Diets rich in antioxidants, vitamins, flavonoids, and polyphenolic compounds will help suppress the onset of Alzheimer's disease,” according to Wannee Jiraungkorrskul, a researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in a research study on spinach’s ability to impact our brains.

To mark National Alzheimer’s Awareness month in June, staff from the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement reached out to the restaurant to partner on developing a brain healthy salad for their menu. They incorporated leafy greens to maximize one’s intake of Vitamin K, folate, and iron, including the dark greens which are best for you. The salad included berries, rich in flavonoids which have been shown to help reduce the impact of Alzheimer’s. Legumes were incorporated to add protein, fiber and isoflavones. Salmon was the star, which WAM recommended slow roasting the fish as opposed to cooking over a high heat and releasing carcinogens.

Their recommendations were based on the seven elements of the popular MIND diet, which is a merging of two plant-based diets, the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet meant to reduce hypertension.

Brain Health versus Brain Food

Food does not make up all the components necessary for a brain-healthy lifestyle.

Maria Shriver, longtime journalist, and prominent advocate for the Alzheimer’s Movement, especially for women, says we must move away from the narrative of aging, and look toward what we can control. Our eating and our lifestyle.

“We are beginning to know what a brain-healthy lifestyle is.” Shriver says in an interview with Parade Magazine. “We know that many of the cases of Alzheimer’s might be preventable if people have different lifestyles. That doesn’t mean that those who have Alzheimer’s were bad or did something wrong. But this whole space is awakening to intervention, to different ways of thinking.”

We all have days when our focus is off, and we know we must pay attention to our cognitive health. Now, we are learning to stop and wonder why that is. What did I do or not do today that was different from yesterday? Was it exercise, was it what I ate, was it what I watched before I went to bed last night? We begin to take notice of how food, sleep, and a well-rounded social life might have impact on our balanced lives.

According to the Sleep Association, the eleven worst foods to eat before bed include chocolate, tomatoes, cheese, ice cream, high fat, high sugar, water (to eliminate sleep disruption), onions, donuts, dried fruit, alcohol, caffeine, chips, and energy drinks. The list contains plenty of foods which are not incorporated into the MIND diet, but remember that fun must still be a key ingredient in life.

My father’s nighttime routine included a bowl of ice cream before bed, every night. Then, he was diagnosed with blocked arteries at age 75. After his procedure, he pridefully bought his favorite flavor, Chocolate Ripple, in the low-fat version and continued to try a variety of ice creams. He never stopped eating ice cream before bed. Certain things were non-negotiable. He also maintained a thriving garden in the backyard of our home, which produced a lifetime supply of greens. It turns out, we didn’t need to eat as much fish as my mother insisted on. We only need to consume more of what he grew out back.

Annette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of I’ll Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Cincinnati Magazine, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act MagazineOvunque SiamoBelt Magazine (forthcoming) and others. Visit annettejwick.com to learn more.

Other Articles You May Like

SnackEver: Your Healthy Snacking Solution

Switching to a healthier lifestyle often involves making significant changes to your diet, and one of the most challenging aspects can be finding nutritious and satisfying snacks. Traditional snack options, like chips, candy, and cookies, are often loaded with unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives. Fortunately, there's a convenient and delicious solution: SnackEver.SnackEver is a subscription service that delivers a curated selection of healthy snacks directly to your doorstep each month. With a variety of boxes to choose from, there's something to suit every taste and dietary preference. Whether you're looking for gluten-free, vegan, keto friendly, organic, kosher, dairy free, or low-calorie options, SnackEver has you covered.Why Choose SnackEver?Convenience: Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for healthy snacks at the grocery store. SnackEver takes the guesswork out of snacking by delivering a carefully curated box of delicious and nutritious treats right to your door.Variety: With SnackEver, you'll never get bored of your snacks. Each month, you'll receive a new assortment of healthy goodies, including everything from protein bars and nuts to fruit chews and trail mix.Customization: SnackEver offers a variety of subscription options to cater to your individual needs and preferences. You can choose from monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly plans, and you can even customize your box by selecting specific snacks or dietary restrictions.Cost-Effective: While healthy snacks can often be expensive, SnackEver offers a convenient and affordable way to enjoy nutritious treats. By subscribing, you'll often get a discount on the individual price of each snack.Discover New Favorites: SnackEver is a great way to discover new and exciting healthy snacks. With each box, you'll have the opportunity to try products from different brands and categories, helping you to find your new favorite go-to snack.The Benefits of Healthy SnackingIncorporating healthy snacks into your diet can have numerous benefits for your overall health and well-being. Here are just a few:Increased Energy: Eating healthy snacks throughout the day can help to stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes.Weight Management: By choosing nutritious snacks over unhealthy options, you can help to control your calorie intake and support weight loss or maintenance.Improved Nutrient Intake: Healthy snacks can be a great way to increase your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.Enhanced Focus: Eating a balanced diet, including healthy snacks, can help to improve your cognitive function and concentration.If you're looking for a convenient and delicious way to incorporate more healthy snacks into your diet, SnackEver is the perfect solution. With its wide variety of options, customizable plans, and commitment to quality, SnackEver can help you achieve your health goals while enjoying delicious and satisfying treats.

6 Brain-Healthy and Stress-Relieving Foods for Everyone

Being mindful of our dietary choices can result in improved cognitive health and emotional stability. The food we consume significantly contributes to these aspects, helping us to feel better, think clearer, and reduce stress levels. Senior Helpers Overland Park will explore the wonderful world of nutrition and its impact on our brain and emotional health. We've compiled a list of brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods that are beneficial for everyonefrom seniors looking to boost their cognitive abilities to caregivers needing a little help managing stress.Nutrition and Brain HealthCertain nutrients help to enhance memory and cognition and delay brain aging. This is particularly beneficial for seniors, who are often at risk of cognitive decline. Seniors can stimulate brain function and maintain their mental health by incorporating brain-friendly foods in their diet.Nutrition and Stress ManagementJust as foods can boost your brain health, they can also aid in managing stress levels. The body's response to stress can be intensified by inadequate nutrition. A well-balanced diet can promote resilience towards stress and foster feelings of well-being. Caregivers, who often face high stress levels due to their demanding roles, can greatly benefit from this aspect of nutrition.In the same vein, good nutrition can be pivotal in mood regulation. What we eat can impact our brain structure, brain chemistry, and, subsequently, our emotions. Foods rich in certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids can help regulate our emotions and reduce the risk of mood disorders. This is significant for everyone, seniors and caregivers alike.Fuel Your Mind and Mood With These FoodsHere are 6 brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods to add to your grocery list:BlueberriesDon't underestimate the power of these tiny fruits! Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. These nutrients work together to delay brain aging, improve memory, and protect your brain cells from damage.Dark ChocolateCraving a sweet treat? Look no further than dark chocolate! This delicious indulgence contains flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants.  These components not only benefit your brain health but also possess mood-boosting properties, making it a great stress reliever in moderation.BroccoliThis versatile vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients for your brain. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin K, broccoli is believed to support cognitive function and promote brain health.Pumpkin SeedsThese tiny nutritional powerhouses are a fantastic source of brain-friendly nutrients. Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. These minerals are essential for maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being.TurmericThis vibrant spice has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits.  The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, boasts impressive brain-protective properties.  Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and enhance the brain's oxygen intake, keeping you alert and focused.OrangesAs a rich source of vitamin C, oranges are a champion for brain health.  Vitamin C  plays a vital role in protecting against mental decline and improving overall cognitive function.Adding these brain-boosting and stress-relieving foods to your diet is simple and enjoyable! Explore different ways to incorporate them into your meals and snacks.  For instance, sprinkle blueberries and oranges over your morning cereal or yogurt. Enjoy dark chocolate squares in moderation as a delightful treat. Turmeric can be added to soups, stews, or even teas for a subtle flavor boost. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack, and broccoli can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. Remember, a balanced diet rich in these power foods nourishes your body, mind, and emotional well-being.Senior Helpers Offers Nutrition Assistance and SupportNutrition is crucial in maintaining our overall health, particularly brain health and emotional stability. By making conscious dietary choices, we can manage our stress levels, enhance cognitive health, and regulate our emotions. Whether you are a senior aiming to boost brain function or a caregiver looking for stress management strategies, incorporating these brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods into your diet can be a game-changer.For those in Overland Park, Olathe, Johnson County, and Prairie Village needing assistance with senior care, a healthy diet, or stress management, contact us at Senior Helpers Overland Park. We proudly provide premium senior care services!

4 Healthy Treats for Aging Adults with a Sweet Tooth

Everyone craves a little something sweet sometimes, but it may be a challenge to find a pleasurable snack thats also nourishing. Luckily, there are a variety of simple healthy foods that can offer a taste both you and your elderly loved one can enjoy. Try some of these sweet suggestions. 1. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Fruit can be a refreshing and sweet snack on its own, but pairing it with chocolate can add to the sweetness. You can buy chocolate dips that come in a ready-to-use liquid form that hardens when it dries or in a flaky, dry form that needs to be microwaved before dipping. Your loved one can dip whole strawberries or chunks of banana or pineapple into the chocolate and then let the shell harden before serving. Some seniors find it difficult to eat healthy because of health conditions or mobility issues. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Naples seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctors office, medication reminders, and much more. 2. Smoothies Smoothies can be a great choice for seniors who have difficulty chewing harder foods. Simply mix plain yogurt, milk, and your loved ones favorite fruits in a blender, then puree and serve cold. You may also want to check with your loved ones doctor to see if its okay to add a bit of protein powder for an extra nutritional kick. A professional caregiver can be a terrific source of support for a senior who needs a hand with preparing healthy treats and nutritious meals. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. 3. Peanut Butter & Jelly With the perfect balance of good taste, comfort, and nutritional value, this traditional sandwich is a classic for a reason. Grab some whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter, and your loved ones favorite flavor of jelly, and this simple and sweet treat is ready. A thinly sliced banana in the sandwich can also be a healthy addition.  4. All-Natural Freezer Pops Your loved one can make homemade fruit pops with fresh juice and a mold or buy them already prepared in the freezer section of the local grocery store. For the best health benefits from store-bought pops, suggest those made of 100 percent fruit. To offer variety in your loved ones snack choices, puree watermelon chunks with lime juice or peach slices with apple juice.  Limiting consumption of sweets is part of an overall healthy lifestyle, and some seniors need help when it comes to managing nutrition. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they dont all need the same type of in-home care. Naples families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, call us today.

Local Services By This Author

Lely Palms Senior Living Community

Housing - Other Types 1000 Lely Palms Dr., Naples, Florida, 34113

Located on 28 acres of beautifully tropical landscaped property in Naples, Florida, Lely Palms Retirement Community offers independent living for persons ages 55 and over. Lely Palms also offers the only retirement villa rentals in Naples. Choose from an all-inclusive rental package, general rental, or trial stay with an array of floor plans including studios, alcoves, one and two bedroom apartments. Our rental community is designed for your active and healthy lifestyle.Independent Living Apartments and VillasFull-service rental plans for those looking to simplify their lifestyleGeneral rental plans to customize and add the services you desireOne of the few Naples area Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) with rental units

Lely Palms Senior Living Community

Independent Living 1000 Lely Palms Dr., Naples, Florida, 34113

Lely Palms Independent Living offers a variety of apartments (studio, 1 & 2 bedrooms) and 2 bedroom villas. Full Service rental plans are designed to simplify your lifestyle with many services included. General Rental plans allow you to customize the services you desire while not having to pay for those you don't need. No matter what plan you choose, you will be glad to call Lely Palms Retirement Community home.

Lely Palms Senior Living Community

Assisted Living 1000 Lely Palms Drive, Naples, Florida, 34113

Our family of assisted and independent living communities offer a sense of home with a variety of amenities.We know you have your own individual routines and interests, capabilities and needs and we strive to accommodate each resident's individuality.