RED WINE For The WIN! — 4 DIET CHOICES That Could Improve COGNITION and COPING
Red wine and cheese. What do these things have to do with preventing mental decline? Well, I’m happy to report … a lot. Let’s explore if certain foods can stave off issues later in our lives.
For most people with Alzheimer’s, those who have the late-onset variety, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s begin between a person’s 30s and mid-60s. So as 50+ folks, we’re right in the middle of it.
This story isn’t necessarily about Alzheimer’s, rather it’s about some research that showed some specific food and beverage choices, made consistently, appear to be connected to one’s degree of cognitive ability later in life. And although genetic factors play a larger role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers found that diet may also have a significant influence on cognitive health over time.
Let’s do the first two together … wine and cheese. Yep, you heard that right. In the study, cheese had the most significant effect of all foods in protecting against age-related cognitive decline. And responsible drinking of all types of alcohol, especially red wine, was also associated with improved cognition.
This was reported widely in such publications as Wine Spectator and The Today Show. (In addition to the NIH). And while they cautioned, strongly, against excessive drinking, they also mentioned that “people experienced cognitive improvements while drinking up to up to a bottle of red wine a day”.
And while the study didn’t provide many details about the type or amount of cheese associated with better brain performance, they explained that consuming cheese daily corresponded to the best cognitive function.
All red meat was generally considered ‘bad’, except for one. The only red meat to show any long-term cognitive health benefits was … lamb.
The study mentioned that eating meat is only beneficial if you remove most of the fat. And if you do eat lamb, cutting away any visible fat will ensure it’s as lean as possible. Because generally speaking, higher intakes of red and processed meats have been linked with increased memory and thinking problems as we age.
And finally … use less salt. Yea, the answer to a lot of problems. And America’s addiction.
Now, can you solve all that might ail you by drinking and eating better? No, food isn’t a cure. Or a prevention. But eating better can help, and eating poorly can certainly hurt.
Oh! There were a few other items that were suggested to be ‘memory-boosting’: whole grains, blueberries, leafy greens, walnuts, seafood. So, go make some great meals, and help stave off future cognitive decline.
