Greetings, young Seafoodies!
There’s no sugar-coating it. Forty may be the new 30, but aging happens! At some inevitable point in our lives, we move from young to young-at-heart. Luckily, there’s a lot we can do to help ensure we age gracefully—such as exercising regularly, staying hydrated and paying attention to what’s on our plate. Making sure we eat seafood at least two to three times a week, as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, can help us get the nutrients we need to stay in top form. In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health found that eating heart-healthy seafood even once or twice a week may help reduce the risks of stroke and other age-related diseases.
Brain fog happens with age, stress (hello, pandemic year 2) and illness. Thankfully, seafood is packed with omega-3s, antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals the brain needs to maintain memory and cognitive function. To keep our minds sharp, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends a diet that emphasizes healthy fats and leaner proteins, such as seafood and poultry, along with whole grains and a rainbow of fresh fruits and vegetables. This way of eating is central to the Mediterranean Diet, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet and a newer hybrid diet called MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), that’s specifically designed to slow the onset of dementia.
Studies have shown that following a brain-healthy eating pattern, such as the MIND diet, may help prevent or delay cognitive disease. And more good news: Experts say it’s never too late to start eating well. Improvements such as adding fish to your diet can improve your energy levels and overall wellbeing and keep your mind and body young for the long haul.
So if you haven’t already, try incorporating more seafood into your diet. While we can’t turn back the clock, the nutrients in fish can help you feel better, sleep more soundly and live your life to its fullest (and longest!).
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