We love our hearts. But what are our brains? Chopped liver?
Neal Barnard, an adjunct associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C., said how we eat can improve not just the function of our tickers, but also the longevity of our noggins.
In his book, “Power Foods for the Brain” ($27), he outlines his nutrition plan to stave off Alzheimer’s and dementia. Barnard recommends these smart choices. And, no, chopped liver wasn’t one of them.
o Walnuts: Vitamin E can be a brain booster, Barnard said, noting a Dutch study that showed that people with the most vitamin E in their diets cut their risk of Alzheimer’s by 25 percent. The best sources are nuts and seeds. Barnard generally opts for walnuts, which he said he enjoys shaved over a salad. (That also helps him limit his intake, so he doesn’t overdo it with calories.)
o Blueberries: “None of these has any cholesterol,” he said, waving at the produce display. And that’s important for the brain because clogged arteries translate into reduced mental function. He said he’s particularly fond of this antioxidant-rich fruit that’s been shown in a small study to help people with memory problems.