Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Super Foods Good for Your Heart & Brain


Since February is heart health month, it is a perfect time to increase awareness about heart disease and the things you can do to prevent.  Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease and causes a narrowing or complete blockage of the arteries.  This can result in angina or a tightness and discomfort in the chest as arteries are not getting enough blood to the heart, which must work harder.  As time goes on, CAD can cause heart failure or an irregular heartbeat. 

Recent studies report turmeric, a seasoning that enhances the flavor of food, may also be beneficial to your heart.  Research suggests turmeric may help to reduce a person’s total cholesterol as well as the levels of bad cholesterol known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) in the blood.  By reducing the oxidation of LDL, turmeric may help reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Another benefit of turmeric is it is believed to help calm inflammation in the body as its essential oils and curcumin display a wide spectrum of antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and other anti-inflammatory properties.  Turmeric may also offer a natural protection against Alzheimer’s disease as curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and work toward preventing or slowing the progression of nervous-system related diseases. 

Acai berries are another nutrient-dense super food loaded with antioxidants, which may be good for our heart and brain.  High in fat and low in sugar, studies has shown acai may decrease the total and LDL cholesterol in animals, and researchers believe it may do the same for humans.  Other studies show the plant compounds in acai may also boost brain function and protect our brains from damage as we age.  Current research points to improvement in the memory of rats. 

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we specialized in providing residents with holistic, loving dementia care.  Our entire team and wellness programs are focused on finding ways to stimulate and enhance our residents’ quality of life.  This includes providing meals created with BrainWise foods such as such as acai berries, turmeric, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens.   Visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  If you are looking for one of the area’s top Alzheimer’s care homes, please visit our website.


Source: healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-acai-berries

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