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What you eat can have a big impact on your brain health. A preventive medicine doctor goes over which foods are beneficial and which ones are best to avoid.
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CLEVELAND - If you’re looking for ways to improve your brain health, it’s important to pay attention to your diet. But how do you know which one is best?
"The MIND diet is one that I focus on because it has been shown in research studies to lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease,” said Sandra Darling, DO, a preventive medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic.
According to Dr. Darling, the MIND diet emphasizes plant-based foods like berries, leafy greens, whole grains, beans and nuts.
The diet also favors fish and poultry over red meat.
Dr. Darling said these foods provide key nutrients that can help reduce inflammation and protect brain cells.
On the other hand, the MIND diet focuses on limiting foods high in saturated fat and added sugar.
To make healthier choices easier, Dr. Darling recommends cooking over going out when you can.
"Prepare more meals at home using those whole and minimally processed foods that give our brain the nutrients it needs. That way, we're eating less of the ultra processed foods and reducing those harmful components from the diet, like excess sodium, saturated fat, unhealthy oils and sugar,” Dr. Darling said.
Along with healthy eating, Dr. Darling said regular exercise, good sleep and managing stress can support brain health as well.
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