Aging is inevitable but cognitive decline which usually comes with age could be prevented thanks to proteins that can be sourced from green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. Green leafy vegetables have been caleld superfoods because they can ward off infections, inflammation, prevent cancer and in general can keep the doctor away,
A University of Illinois study shows that a pigment called lutein and found in dark green vegetables can help maintain the sharpness of the mind and preserve cognitive function even as the brain ages. Published in the Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience last December 6, the study confirms that a diet based on plants and whole food can help prevent decline of a person's mental faculties and promote brain health.
Huffington Post said among the food that has the highest lutein content are spinach, kale and dandelion greens. Lutein is a carotenoid which is a group of plant pigments that occur naturally in green leafy vegetables but can also be found in brussel sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. Once ingested and accumulated in the brain over a person's lifespan, it protects the neurons and maintains brain health over a long term period.
The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) said mental abilities are kept sharp by green leafy vegetables. Science Daily said one can help slow down the decline in cognitive health by adding more green leafy vegetables and food with Vitamin K in the diet.
"Losing one's memory or cognitive abilities is one of the biggest fears for people as they get older," said research head Martha Clare Morris, Sc.D., who is also assistant provost for community research at Rush University Medical Center."Since declining cognitive ability is central to Alzheimer's disease and dementias, increasing consumption of green leafy vegetables could offer a very simple, affordable and non-invasive way of potentially protecting your brain from Alzheimer's disease and dementia."
Healthy Brains said a Mediterranean diet that contains green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and fish can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by keeping the brain healthy. Aside from these foods, experts also encourage the intake of antioxidants such as blackberries, raspberries and blueberries as these slow down brain aging.
