Does what you eat matter when it comes to brain health? Mayo Clinic experts say what’s good for the body is also good for the brain, and your diet may impact your risk of dementia.
Reporter Vivien Williams talks to Dr. Ronald Petersen about a heart and brain-healthy diet.
Vivien Williams
There’s no doubt that what you eat can impact your heart health. Research shows that’s also true for your brain health.
Ronald Petersen, M.D., Ph.D. Director Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
“What’s good for the heart is good for the brain, so I think many of the same features that give us good heart health, will also give us good brain health.”
Vivien Williams
Mayo Clinic Dr. Ronald Petersen says eating a heart-healthy diet may increase blood flow to the brain. It may also impact the underlying disease process of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Vivien Williams
Now, what is a heart- and brain-healthy diet? Dr. Petersen says it’s a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, such as olive oil. It also includes lean sources of protein, such as fish. But, he also says the lifestyle choice that may be even more important for your brain’s health is …
Ronald Petersen, M.D., Ph.D. …
“I would say physical exercise.”
Vivien Williams
Every week, try to fit in 150 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking. It will benefit your heart and brain health. For the Mayo Clinic News Network, I’m Vivien Williams.
