Protect your brain: The importance of a healthy diet against dementia

Protect your brain: The importance of a healthy diet against dementia

Why a healthy diet is crucial at a young age

Diet plays a crucial role in preventing dementia. The right diet should be paid attention to early on in order to protect cognitive abilities in old age.

Think about your diet from an early age

A long-term British study of 3,059 participants has shown that a diet rich in unprocessed green leafy vegetables, beans, fresh fruit and whole grains offers good protection against dementia. The researchers found that antioxidants and unsaturated fats promote brain health and fight harmful substances. It is therefore important to pay attention to a healthy diet from a young age.

Avoid harmful foods

Salt, sugar and refined grains such as white bread can lead to poorer cognitive abilities as we age. People who eat primarily such foods are at increased risk of dementia. Studies have also shown that highly processed foods such as potato chips and instant pasta can have negative effects on the brain.

The consequences of an incorrect diet

Highly processed foods like pastries and sweet drinks can cause inflammation in the brain. Sugar could even lead to clogged arteries in the brain. Furthermore, spicy foods containing capsaicin can cause memory loss and impaired cognition. Fried foods and fast foods containing trans fats can reduce brain volume and accelerate cognitive decline.

Avoid foods that are harmful to your health

It is important to maintain a healthy diet to maintain cognitive abilities as we age. Animal fats, red meat and certain foods can promote inflammation in the brain and damage blood vessels. By eating consciously, you can help maintain your mental health in the long term.

This article provides general information on nutrition and health. If you have individual questions about illnesses, please contact a doctor.