There are many healthy habits you can incorporate into your daily life to promote a healthier body and brain. You can take a morning jog to boost your metabolism, and you can complete a crossword puzzle every night to improve your memory and thinking skills. But experts agree that one of the best ways to maintain a healthier body and brain is to get all the nutrients you need to thrive — and that’s where superfoods come in. Superfoods are just nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods that are particularly beneficial. for your health. Luckily, they’re not hard to find, and you’re probably already eating them without knowing it.
For more on a superfood your body and brain will love, we spoke to Paulina Lee, MSHS, RD, LD, Functional Gut Health Dietitian and Founder of Savvy Stummy, LLC, Lisa Richards, Registered Nutritionist and Creator from The Candida Diet and Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, registered dietitian and author of Recipe for survival. They told us that you should consider reaching nut on a regular basis if you want to help your brain and body thrive as you age. Learn more about this delicious and nutritious superfood below!
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Nut
When it comes to superfoods, nuts are among the best options because they contain important nutrients that your body and brain need to thrive. This is especially true for nuts. In fact, eating nuts regularly is a great way to reduce inflammation, slow aging, and boost memory. Walnuts have a high concentration of DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid. DHA has been shown to improve cognitive abilities in adults and reduce age-related cognitive decline. “These fatty acids are important for brain health and have been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases,” says Richards. It’s good to know!
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And nuts are an excellent source of vitamin E and zinc. These vitamins and minerals keep your cells healthy by protecting them from oxidative damage. Walnuts are highly recommended by health experts like Lee when it comes to reducing inflammation and weight management. “Walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants,” she says. “Omega-3 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce weight-related inflammation. The antioxidants from polyphenols in walnuts can fight oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, which are molecules unstable substances that can damage cells and increase disease risk.” Noted!
One of the main reasons why nuts like walnuts are such a fantastic snack for weight loss and overall body health is that they will keep you full longer than unhealthy processed snacks. “It’s a great snack that doesn’t gain weight because it’s so satisfying,” says Hunnes. “It contains protein, fiber, very healthy fats and it can prevent you from eating more calories later in the day, and it also prevents blood sugar fluctuations (which make you hungry, even if you don’t are not).”
This crispy snack can protect your body from free radical damage and more. “Eating nuts not only protects you from free radicals that can cause skin damage and wrinkles, but they’ve also been linked to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, which helps prevent heart disease,” adds Hunnes. . You can also add nuts to your salads and parfaits, or even eat them as nut butter.
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The essential
Maintaining a healthy body and brain is about making nutritious and beneficial decisions every day. Not only should you eat a healthy diet of superfoods like nuts, but you should also make sure you drink enough water, exercise regularly, and perform brain exercises to boost cognition. If in doubt, you can always grab a handful of nuts as a snack for a healthier body and brain. Of course, you should also contact your doctor if you are seriously concerned about your brain and general health!
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