The #1 Best Food for Alzheimer’s, Says Dietitian — Eat This Not That

receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer disease it can be devastating, as having it can lead to challenges associated with memory and thinking. And while there is no foolproof way to prevent this disease from occurring, focusing on certain life habits can help reduce your risk.

While certain factors are completely out of your control, like your family history, there are plenty of things you can do that can help keep your brain health in check, according to the Alzheimer’s Associationincluded:

• Participate in physical activity
• Follow the DASH or Mediterranean diet
• Maintain social connection
• Minimize the risk of head injury (wear your seat belt!)

Among the many nutrient-dense foods that can support brain healthEggs are the most important because of the vitamins, minerals, and other compounds found in them. That’s what he does eggs the best food for Alzheimer’s disease.

Eggs are a totally versatile, protein-packed food that’s a much-loved breakfast addition and a must-have ingredient for favorite dishes like deviled eggs. But eggs are much more than a delicious addition to meals and snacks, as they are one of the few food options rich in choline, a nutrient that supports lifelong brain health at all ages and stages, including memory , thinking and mood. In fact, a study in eastern Finland found that a diet higher choline intake is linked to a lower risk of dementia and research continues to explore this relationship.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

When you eat your egg yolk, you get lutein and zeaxanthin, or carotenoids that are linked to brain health among healthy older adults.

A recent study supported by the american egg board found that consuming even limited amounts of eggs (about one egg per week) was linked to slower memory decline later in life compared to not consuming eggs. According to this study, those who ate the fewest eggs (less than half an egg per week) had the highest rate of memory decline over time. Those who ate an “intermediate” number of eggs (about half to 1 1/2 eggs per week) had a significantly lower rate of decline in memory performance compared to the low-egg group. In other words, even a very small amount of egg included in the diet (as little as 1/2 to 1 egg per week) was associated with a beneficial impact on memory.

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As a bonus, eggs are an accessible, affordable and incredibly versatile food that, as part of a healthy dietary pattern, supports brain and heart health:two highly interrelated factors. The Committee on Nutrition of the American Heart Association scientific advice says older healthy people can consume up to two eggs per day within the context of a heart-healthy dietary patternconsidering the nutritional benefits and convenience of eggs.

So, in a nutshell (or eggshell), including brain-health-supporting nutrients in your diet can be an important way to help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Maintaining an overall healthy eating pattern that includes a mix of nutrient-rich foods like eggs, produce, nuts, and seeds in your diet is a smart habit for brain health.

Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC