At Thrive we don't just focus on individuals who want to lose weight, we want to help them maximise their life completely.
We focus heavily on the brain, and the alarming increase in the projected prevalence of Alzheimers needs to be talked about.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that is estimated that there are currently over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, with the majority of cases being Alzheimer's disease, where women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's than men, accounting for two-thirds of all cases.
As we get older, our risk of developing this condition increases, making it all the more important to adopt preventative strategies that can reduce our chances of developing the disease. One such strategy is nutrition.
It is widely known that a healthy diet can help maintain good overall health, but it can also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. In this blog, we will discuss the different nutrients and foods that can help prevent this debilitating condition.
Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in keeping our brains healthy and functioning optimally. Some of the key vitamins and minerals that are important for reducing the risk of Alzheimer's include:
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our brain cells from damage caused by free radicals. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in the development of Alzheimer's. Foods rich in vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seeds, and avocado.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of our nervous system, and a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to cognitive decline. Good sources of vitamin B12 include fish, poultry, and dairy products.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve memory. Foods rich in omega-3s include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts.
Magnesium: Magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining healthy brain function and has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. Good sources of magnesium include leafy greens, almonds, and avocados.
In addition to these vitamins and minerals, there are also certain foods and dietary patterns that have been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's.
Mediterranean diet: The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern that is rich in healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants. Studies have shown that this diet can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and improve brain function. This diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil.
Berries: Berries are packed with antioxidants and have been shown to improve memory and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. Some of the best berries for brain health include blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
Leafy greens: Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are high in vitamins and minerals that are essential for brain health. They are also rich in antioxidants that help protect our brain cells from damage.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are packed with healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants that are important for reducing the risk of Alzheimer's. Some of the best nuts and seeds for brain health include almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
In addition to incorporating these foods into your diet, it is also important to limit your intake of certain foods that have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's. These include processed foods, sugar, and saturated and trans fats.
Once in a while is fine, but this is your life and you have the choice to become the best version of yourself. So instead of having Mcdonalds twice a week, limit this down to once.
Small changes go a long long way.
When you focus on adding the right ingredients and constituents to some of your meals, not only do you instantly start to look and feel better, but you also start to reduce your prevalence in many diseases that could seriously affect your life.
If you think now is a good time to start optimising your diet then we are here to help. We have developed a nutrition app that will provide you with recipes and meals that will help to reduce your risk of Alzheimers, along with getting you in better shape and creating a healthier body and mind.
This should be a non-negotiable in your budget - it's less than £20/month. It will help you see all your macro-nutrient breakdown and will provide you with incredible food that is going to change who you are.
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