Powerful Pair Boosts Brain Health
Let’s face it… Most of us can use a brain boost as we get older.
But with all the options, knowing what to pursue and what to skip for better cognitive function can be difficult.
(No one has money to waste these days.)
That’s why today I want to tell you about two nutrients that would be money well spent for anyone who wants to ENHANCE their brain health.
Researchers examined the brain function of adults over 60 and compared it to their nutrient intake.
Their goal was to see which nutrients had the most beneficial impact on cognitive health and depression.
Two nutrients stood out from the rest for their impact on brain health:
- vitamin K
- folate
This makes sense since studies show that vitamin K can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain and is linked to a lower risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
And folate (vitamin B9) is vital for brain function and mental health.
The bad news…
- about 75 percent of adults have insufficient levels of vitamin k
- around 30 percent have low levels of folate
The good news is you can easily fix these deficiencies.
Foods high in vitamin K include leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and organ meats.
High folate foods include leafy greens, broccoli, beef liver, eggs, beans, legumes, and whole grains.
Food is always the best source. But if you’re concerned you won’t be able to get enough of these nutrients from food alone, you can always add some high-quality supplements to fill in the gap.
P.S. Slam the BRAKES on brain aging.
SOURCE:
Devarshi PP, Gustofson K, Grant RW, Mitmesser SH. Higher intake of certain nutrients among older adults is associated with better cognitive function: an analysis of NHANES 2011-2014. BMC Nutr. 23 Dec 5;9(1):142. Doi: 10.1186/s40795-023-00802-0.
