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There are several things that may be done to enhance brain health, such as learning new talents, reading, participating in physical exercise, and getting enough sleep during the night. However, your diet is also an essential component in keeping your brain “young” as you grow older, and the appropriate serving of vegetables will only assist you in keeping your brain healthier and sharper.
Dr. Amy Goodson offered her wisdom on the kinds of veggies to consume in order to keep your brain young. Here are the vegetables you should buy at the grocery store next time around.
1 — Leafy green vegetables
“Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, and collard greens are high in vitamin K, beta-carotene, folate, and lutein, all of which promote brain health,” says Goodson. “You may also eat red peppers and tomatoes. These veggies are high in antioxidants, which protect our cells from damage. The less harm done to our cells, the healthier and stronger we will be as a result of it.”
According to one research study published in Neurology, daily consumption of one serving of leafy green vegetables may help prevent cognitive decline with age.
2 — Cruciferous vegetables
Broccoli, according to Goodson, is one of the numerous cruciferous vegetables that may help your brain health. Vitamin K, which has been linked to a clearer memory and is found in cruciferous veggies, according to Northwestern Medicine. Brussels sprouts, Broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, and other similar veggies are also high in folate, an antioxidant that is essential for cognitive function and brain health as we age.
3 — Orange veggies
“Sweet potatoes are excellent sources of beta-carotene, as are other orange veggies like red peppers, carrots, and butternut squash.” said Goodson. “Beta-carotene’s antioxidant properties have been linked to increased cognitive health. Antioxidants are the nice guys who battle the bad guys (free radicals) that harm our cells.”
According to Biomolecules research, beta-carotene is even being promoted as a potential therapy for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.
4 — Beets
“Beets are high in nitrates and folic acid, which help to promote brain health.” says Goodson. “Nitrates allow for increased blood flow to the brain, which helps improve cognitive function. Folic acid, often known as B9, has been found to aid in the prevention of several psychological and neurological disorders including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.”
You can’t go wrong with consuming vegetables every day, so grab one or two of the ones listed above and add them to your next meal to support brain health!
