The biggest fear many of us face as we get older is having our memories begin to fade as we slip into cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease. Many folks turn to drugs such as Aricept and Namenda which are designed to preserve brain function.
But while these drugs are useful to some degree, I feel there are foods, spices and herbs… some which may already be in your own kitchen… that can go a long way towards preserving your cognitive function, stabilizing your mood and lowering your level of anxiety before you get to the point that you need to turn to a drug for help.
Feed your brain for better memory
Following are six “recipes” for properly feeding your brain to preserve your memory and fight Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline:
1. Put hemp seeds in your salad:
Hulled hemp seeds are brimming with healthy fats and help offset the bad fats that are found in the typical American diet. Don’t worry, hemp seeds have essentially no THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. But what they do have is a perfect 3:1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids. Put a tablespoon (daily) on your salad, scrambled eggs or roasted vegetables.
2. Eat mushrooms:
I’m not talking about Portabello’s here, but rather a unique mushroom you’ve likely never heard of before by the name of Lion’s Mane. The active ingredient in Lion’s Mane, Hericium erinaceus, is what we’re really after.
Lion’s Mane is sold as a dietary supplement and it’s known for its potent neuroregenerative powers. But I buy the real mushrooms in the fresh produce section and sauté them in garlic and butter with Brussels sprouts. (Delicious!) Lion’s Mane is a neurotrophic so it’s also my pick for you if you have any kind of brain damage from trauma, benzos, mold, etc.
3. Sprinkle my Brainpower Season Salt of your favorite foods:
Mix together the following 6 seasonings in equal amounts and put into an empty salt shaker and sprinkle as desired…
- Rosemary,
- powdered gotu kola (get from an apothecary or online),
- himalayan salt,
- onion powder,
- powdered garlic (not garlic salt)
- and powdered turmeric.
4. Drink Juice:
We all think of antioxidants as a dietary supplement, like Vitamin C, for example. But fresh and delicious citrus juice is a great source of natural vitamin C. A few ounces of orange juice will provide plenty of natural C to help your body make dopamine, serotonin and other neurotransmitters that a healthy brain requires.
5. Eat Foliage:
I’m talking about salads and other leafy greens here which will supply your body with folate, the natural form of the synthetic vitamin “folic acid.” Leafy greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, Swiss chard and lettuce contain a lot of natural folate. Greens also provide powerful brain-friendly antioxidants so eat something green every day.
6. Say “Yes” when offered fresh black pepper:
Servers will often ask if you want black pepper on your salad or main dish at restaurants. Say yes next time because piperine, the primary component of black pepper, slows the breakdown of serotonin and raises your other feel-good endorphins slashing anxiety, stabilizing your mood and making it easier to concentrate. Studies are promising and ongoing for black pepper’s role in tackling symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
In addition to writing a syndicated column on health which reaches 20 million people each week, Suzy is the author of a number of books on natural health.
You may have seen Suzy on The Dr. OZ Show (6 different appearances), The View, The Doctors, Good Morning America Health and hundreds of morning shows. Quotes from Suzy, as well as her articles, have also appeared in major publications including Woman’s Day, Reader’s Digest, OK Magazine!, First for Women, Fitness, Natural Health and Better Homes & Garden and dozens more.
Read more from Suzy at suzyCohen.com
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Would like to know where to find the fresh Lion Manes Mushroom Am located in Bklyn NY. I see they are selling the freeze dried one. So..if cannot find the fresh one..what about the others?
Hi Gloria,
Thanks so much for your question. You’re in luck because Lion’s Mane season is just about to start… it typically runs from late summer to early fall.
Your best bet for finding them nearby is probably to check out your local Farmer’s Markets. If you have a farmer there that sells mushrooms he’s likely to have them in season. Some grocery stores such as Whole Foods will carry them in season as well (perhaps have a chat with the produce manager at your local natural foods store to find out if they will have them coming in.)
If you still have trouble locating them locally another option when they’re in season is to purchase the fresh mushrooms online.
Following are a few sellers that may be able to help…
OregonMushrooms.com
BrewersMushrooms.com
NHMushrooms.com
Perhaps other readers in your area will have some hints about where to find them locally and can leave that information in the comments.
Hope that helps. Best of luck finding them, they’re delicious!
–The HealthierTalk Team