The best way to prevent dementia is also the best way to prevent cancer, heart attacks and almost all illnesses. It’s all about lifestyle choice.
Last week I discussed the importance of Sleep and how to sleep better. Today I’d like to share this important food that might reduce your risk of getting dementia.
Those Important Leafy Greens
When the pandemic began, and we didn’t know if the whole country and world was going to close down, I immediately ordered packages of dried barley grass to make sure that we would not be without leafy greens. I also stocked up on bottled water. (Toilet paper was not my first priority. 😂)
I felt that if we had enough dried greens and water, we would be fine. This is because I believe that leafy greens are the most important addition to our diet.
Why is it important to eat leafy greens? There are many reasons why I think leafy greens are important to eat. This first is that the nutrients in green leafy vegetables may keep your brain healthy.
How Leafy Greens Protect Your Brain
Research shows that the nutrients in green leafy vegetables may help slow down cognitive decline
“Consumption of approximately 1 serving per day of green leafy vegetables and foods rich in phylloquinone, lutein, nitrate, folate, α-tocopherol, and kaempferol may help to slow cognitive decline with aging.”
According to this research, eating a portion of leafy greens can keep your brain 11 years younger.
Leafy Greens Prevent Inflammation
As we get older, we have more inflammation in our body. This is called “chronic low-grade inflammation” and is typically found in people as they age. For many this may be the reason for those aches and pains – especially when one wakes up in the morning. Leafy greens can reduce inflammation and may help with those aches.
Perhaps more important is that research shows that Neuroinflammation, (inflammation in the brain) may lead to Alzheimer’s disease. “study is the first to provide a direct link between this inflammation and plaque development -- by way of IFITM3.
It is important to prevent inflammation which can cause many illnesses – so please make sure you eat your leafy greens!
Leafy Greens to Reduce Cravings
If fighting inflammation and keeping your brain young are not enough reasons for you to eat leafy greens, they may also prevent you from snacking on junk food.
When I eat leafy greens, my blood sugar is more balanced, so I don't have cravings for sweets. I try to use at least one full bunch of greens a day. When I don't manage to eat greens for a couple of days, I feel the difference. I can finish several bars of dark chocolate in one day! 😱
So Leafy Greens may:
Keep you brain young,
Reduce inflammation and
Prevent some cravings
I hope all of you will make or buy yourselves a nice green smoothie right now!
--- Oran Aviv has been a reflexologist for 25 years and is also a Certified Validation teacher. She combines both the principles of hand reflexology and Validation to teach ©Hands-on Dementia to caregivers and senior facility staff around the world.
You can follow Oran on:
Facebook: Reflexology – Oran Aviv and see notifications of her future blogs
Youtube – Oran Aviv Reflex and More and learn how you can use hand reflexology for self care
Oran is also the author of Hands-on Dementia for Caregivers, a Step by Step Guide to Learn 3 Reflex Points to Help your Loved One and Yourself
To learn more: Hands-on Dementia eBook for caregivers