Food That is Good For Your Heart is Good For Your Brain

Food That is Good For Your Heart is Good For Your Brain
by Ruthan Brodsky

nutrients. Everything about your heart affects your circulation and good circulation is
required for good brain function. You increase your odds for good brain function by
eating foods that reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, inflammation
and other health risks.

One recent study showed that concentration on nutrition for your heart can also
preserve your memory as you age. The conclusion for this was based on the DASH
diet, or Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. It has been published for some time
but remains at the top of most lists for good nutrition no matter what the trend.
Tests on brain function with the DASH diet have been ongoing for at least 12 years.
It is also a diet recommended by the American Heart Association.

Researchers found that participants in the study who followed the DASH diet closest
scored significantly higher o tests of cognitive functioning then those who hardly
followed the diet. Interestingly, the studies also show that four subgroups of foods in
your diet - vegetables, nuts or legumes, whole grains and low fat dairy products -
were also associated with higher scores on cognitive tests.

Foods to Avoid for Healthier Hearts and Brains

The bottom line is that everything you eat is going to influence the way your brain
functions because food gives your body the raw materials it needs to build, replace
and repair everything and to operate efficiently. Oatmeal, for example, is highly
recommended for both your heart and brain health. Oatmeal also contains ferulic
acid, an antioxidant found in the germ and bran of grains. Ferulic acid appears to be a
general protector of brain cells, keeping them supple and responsible by eliminating
the toxins. I am guessing we will be seeing more research on this antioxidant.

Too much fat in your diet, however, is not good, especially the saturated fats found
in whole milk and cream, and animal products. Trans fats are another fat to avoid,
usually found in processed foods and margarines and can clog blood vessels and
reduce circulation. Refined foods, processed foods and junk foods in general are not
going to help your brain either. They often contain too much salt, are loaded with the
wrong kinds of fat, and contain sugar and preservatives. They also lack much of
nutritional value such as healthy fiber, antioxidants and essential nutrients.

Too much sugar is also to be avoided. Too much sugar and fatty sweets can lead to
metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Both of these conditions are associated with
greater risk for high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and cognitive problems.
The bottom line, there is not much you can do with hereditary factors that may
increase your risk for heart problems but you can lower your risk for creating
problems for your brain by adapting a healthy lifestyle and eating with good nutrition
in mind.

About The Author

Ruthan Brodsky is a health and business writer with expertise in healthy aging. I invite
you to claim the special report she put together about finding accurate information
on the internet based on her 26 years of researching health issues. Claim her special
report at .

Eating foods that are good for your
heart are also good for your brain.
That makes perfect sense because if
what you eat keeps your
cardiovascular system in shape, the
muscle that is a major factor in
supplying your brain with oxygen,
then, of course, you should have a
decent chance of keeping your brain
healthy.

Recently there has been much
research on the subject. The good
news is that it also holds true as you
get older because it helps ensure that
your brain receives the blood full of

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.