Power Foods for the Brain by Dr. Neal Barnard equips readers with the tools to protect the brain with diet. When it comes to brain health, there are foods that are toxic and foods that can protect against issues such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and stroke. Other important brain health topics that are expanded on include exercises for the brain, sleep, medications and related medical conditions.
This is an important read considering that 1 in 5 Americans between the ages of 75 and 84 develops Alzheimer’s and, after age 85, nearly half of the population is affected. While many think this is related to bad genes or bad luck, Dr. Barnard and numerous other researchers have demonstrated that diet plays a huge role!
In areas of the world where diets are centered around whole, unprocessed foods from plants, people stay sharp well into their golden years. We’re talking people in their 90’s and even over 100 years old! Common staples in these cultures include beans, rice and other whole grains, corn and sweet potatoes. Meat is rarely on the menu, and when it is, its in very small portions, mixed with tons of whole, plant-based foods. Processed foods – chips, cookies, crackers, bars – are non-existent.
Dr. Barnard explains, in detail, the reason why this influences our brain health. We’re barely scratching the surface here, but one big problem is that metals build up in animal products and when humans eat these animals, they get large doses of metals. These are major toxins for the brain. Also, the unhealthy fats in animal products don’t just clog the arteries to your heart, but also to your brain!
A brain healthy diet is one that is packed full of whole (not processed) foods from plants: veggies, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Dr. Barnard recommends creating meals that are 1/4 grain, 1/4 legume, 1/4 fruit and 1/4 vegetables – as shown by his Power Plate on the left (pulled from the Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine website). His book ends with a meal plan and recipes. Know that, just like the recipes in this book, all recipes that we share are whole-food, plant-based.
Find Power Foods for the Brain on Amazon.
Dr. Neal Barnard is the founder of the Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine and, on the website for this organization, he has a blog. Though the organization is geared more towards health professionals, his blog features information that anyone would find helpful.
