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Superfoods That May Help Improve Cognitive Function

Salmon (credit: Aegis Living)

(SPONSORED CONTENT) - You probably know that eating a balanced diet is great for your loved one's physical health, but did you know that sticking with healthy choices can also help to improve your parent's mental health? "You are what you eat" is true for both body and mind, and your brain needs power and sustenance just like any other organ.

However, there are some foods that are better for cognitive function than others. Next time you and your father are at the market, be sure to add some of these brain-powering Superfoods to your cart:

Salmon (and other oily fish)

These types of proteins are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s may help lower the risk of dementia, and could also improve your father's ability to remember and focus more attentively. Omega-3s also provide "good" cholesterol, so these types of fish are great for his brain and heart health.

Blueberries

These sweet treats are delicious and easy to find, and they can even help improve memory or delay short-term memory loss. Blueberries are also easy to include in your morning cereal or yogurt or can simply be eaten by the handful as a tasty mid-afternoon snack.

Whole grains

We need carbs to power our brains, but whole grains add an extra healthy punch because they have a low glycemic index. Rather than the "sugar rush" you experience from processed carbs, whole grains feed a steady supply of glucose into the bloodstream. This allows for a more balanced mental state throughout the day. To up whole grain intake, be sure to include brown rice, whole grain breads and pastas and bran cereal on your father's grocery list.

Dark chocolate

Does your dad have a sweet tooth? Not to worry – dark chocolate is actually a great thing to include in his daily diet (in moderation, of course). While it does contain caffeine, there are only small amounts of it compared to sodas, tea or coffee. There are also plenty of antioxidants in dark chocolate, which can fight off free radicals that impede cognitive function.

Water

While water isn't technically a food, becoming dehydrated can lead to weakened or even shrinking brain tissue. An increased amount of medications can also cause dehydration, which is common as we age, so this means that your dad needs to be drinking at least 2 quarts of water per day, or about half his weight in fluid ounces – whichever is higher.

Eating right is important for your father's health, and these Superfoods can give him the nutrients he needs to keep his body and mind in a healthy state.

(credit: Aegis Living)

By Shirley Newell

Dr. Shirley Newell has over 30 years of health care experience. Her background includes psychiatry, urgent and tertiary care, and research. She has practiced Geriatrics and Internal Medicine in private practice. Additionally, she has worked in a number of skilled nursing facilities as staff and in leadership roles. Most recently she served as Medical Director at Symetra, where she became boarded in Insurance Medicine. Dr. Newell is currently the Chief Medical Officer for Aegis Living ensuring quality in resident care programs and overseeing their healthcare staff.

Source: Aegis Living
Above content provided by Aegis Living

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