Dementia is the name given to a group of symptoms linked to an ongoing decline in brain function. You could lower your risk of the neurodegenerative condition by simply eating more leafy green vegetables, it’s been claimed.
There are a number of different types of dementia, and the most common in the UK is Alzheimer’s disease.
Diagnosing the condition early could help to slow down the condition’s progress.
Making some small lifestyle changes could lower your chances of developing Alzheimer’s in later life.
One of the easiest ways to limit your dementia risk is to eat more leafy greens with your dinner, it’s been claimed.
The vegetables, which includes spinach, cabbage and collard greens, specifically help to reduce cognitive decline, according to Dr Fox’s Pharmacy’s Dr Daisy Mae.
They may even help to protect against dementia more than fruit, she added.
Leafy greens form part of the famous MIND diet; a selection of foods that were hand-picked for their brain health benefits.
The diet plan combines the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).
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“There is still much we do not know about the relationship between food and dementia, but much research exists to support the fact that what we eat is especially important for brain health,” said Dr Mae.
She told Express Health: “More recently researchers have studied the effect of the MIND diet – a combination of the Mediterranean diets and DASH diets.
“This is a carefully formulated diet which ensures all the nutrients for good brain health It is rich in green leafy vegetables, all types of vegetables and fruits especially berries, olive oil, whole grains, nuts, fish, and poultry.
“The MIND diet strongly recommends a high consumption of leafy green vegetables, which has been shown to reduce cognitive decline, rather than fruit.”
Adding more leafy greens to your diet could also support bone health, while also reducing stomach bloating, it’s been claimed.
Meanwhile, the MIND diet includes eating plenty of nuts, beans, berries and whole grains.
But, it also includes avoiding eating unhealthy foods, such as red meat, butter, fried food and pastries.
People that strictly adhere to the diet plan could lower their risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 53 percent, scientists claimed.
There’s no certain way to prevent dementia from developing, but there are ways to lower your risk, said the NHS.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet should help to lower your chances of developing dementia.
It’s also important to do enough exercise. Everyone should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.
There are around 850,000 people in the UK with dementia, and the condition affects one in every six people over 80 years old.
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