They also benefit the rest of your body.
Protecting your brain can be as easy as protecting your body: UCLA research suggests that exercise and healthy eating can prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
In the study, people who followed a Mediterranean diet (rich in fish, plenty of vegetables, and healthy fats) and reported at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week had lower levels of brain plaques and associated entanglements. with Alzheimer’s than those who did not do these activities.
According to Dr. David Merrill, this may have several explanations.
Physical activity, particularly aerobic, improves blood flow to the brain, decreases systemic inflammation that can harm brain health, and creates more connections between brain cells.
Dr. Merrill explains that exercise also promotes the survival of brain cells, and that is crucial as we age since Alzheimer’s is characterized by the progressive death of those cells. A Mediterranean diet also reduces inflammatory reactions that can cause brain plaque and tangles.
The more of these factors you include in your life, the less likely you are to develop Alzheimer’s within a few years, says Dr. Merrill.
Your best option is to eat a healthy diet and modify your lifestyle. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and eat a diet rich in vegetables, lean protein, omega-3 fats like fish, and low in processed or sweetened foods. This should help you keep your weight in a healthy range, which is beneficial as well.