October 5, 2016

Can diet help keep your mind sharp and young as you age? Recent studies suggest that it can! It seems a good diet for your heart and joints is also good for your mind. Here are some findings:

Mediterranean Diet:
People who adhere to a Mediterranean diet have lower rates of Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease.


The Mediterranean diet emphasizes:

• Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts

• Replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil

• Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods

• Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month

• Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week

• Enjoying meals with family and friends

• Drinking red wine in moderation (optional)

• Getting plenty of exercise

• Green leafy vegetables (like spinach and salad greens): At least 6 servings a week

• Other vegetables: At least one a day

• Nuts: 5 servings a week

• Berries: 2 or more servings a week

• Beans: At least 3 servings a week

• Whole grains: 3 or more servings a day

• Fish: Once a week

• Poultry (like chicken or turkey): Two times a week

• Olive oil: Use it as your main cooking oil.

• Wine: One glass a day

• Red meat: Less than 4 servings a week

• Butter and margarine: Less than a tablespoon daily

• Cheese: Less than one serving a week

• Pastries and sweets: Less than 5 servings a week

• Fried or fast food: Less than one serving a week