10 tips on how to keep brain cells healthy!

1. Mental Stimulation

Scientists have found that brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells. Any mentally stimulating activity should help your brain. Examples of activities include: reading, taking courses, solving word problems, completing math problems, drawing, painting, and other crafts.  

2. Filling your body with lots of fruits and vegetables

 Filling your body with fruits and vegetables will allow antioxidants to help fight against free radicals. Every fruit and vegetable is very important and does different things for your body. For example, an apple is a very good source of boron, a trace mineral that affects the electrical activity of the brain, increasing mental alertness and boosting estrogen in postmenopausal women. It also helps reduce cholesterol and contains many cancer-fighting phytochemicals. As the saying says, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

3. Physical Exercise

Studies have proved that using your muscles have a direct correlation to your mind. Exercise helps your mind. Scientists have found that animals who exercise regularly increase the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the region of the brain that is responsible for thought. Exercise is also found to increase the connections between brain cells, which are called synapses. Exercise also has lots of other benefits for your body, not just for your brain. It lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, helps blood sugar balance, and reduces mental stress.

4. Improve your diet

Improving your diet will help your mind and body. Studies have found that people that eat a Mediterranean style diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and unsaturated oils like olive oil, and plant sources of proteins are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia.

5. Improve your blood pressure

High blood pressure can increase the risk of cognitive decline in old age. Try to keep your blood pressure as low as possible. Stay fit, limit your alcohol intake, reduce stress, and eat right.

6. Improve your blood sugar

Diabetes has proven to be an important risk factor for dementia. By eating right and exercising daily, one can help prevent diabetes.

7. Improve your cholesterol

High levels of LDL, which is known as “bad” cholesterol, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. Managing your diet, exercising daily, and avoiding tobacco will help improve your cholesterol levels.

8. Stop excessive intake of alcohol

Excessive drinking is a major risk factor for dementia. If you chose to drink, limit yourself to two drinks a day.

9. Protect your head

Make sure to wear a helmet if using a bike or other vehicle that requires a helmet. Moderate to severe head injuries increase the risk of cognitive impairment.

10. Build strong social relationships

Studies have shown that strong social ties are associated
with a lower risk of dementia, lower blood pressure, and longer life
expectancy.

Information found by Harvard Health.