Boosting Your Brainpower

I know on Tuesday Tabitha had said her boyfriend’s grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I have had a family member with Alzheimer’s, and it is so scary and sad. I found a website that shows those of us who have not developed Alzheimer’s yet to prevent it. If someone in your family has had the disease, you should definitely read this blog. Genes determine 30% of your risk for developing Alzheimer’s. The other 70% comes from factors we control such as fitness, diet, and stress levels. One of the first factors in boosting your brainpower is to EAT MORE BRAIN FOOD. Blueberries are shown to contain compounds that improve short-term memory. Fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish (such as salmon) help protect and nourish brain cells. Stay away from saturated fat to keep your heart strong and pumping blood to your head. Make sure to replace refined grains with whole ones to keep brain fuel reserves full. The second important factor is MAKE A BRAIN BOOSTING VINAIGRETTE. Rosemary and turmeric stimulate the brain. You should add a pinch of each to your food each day. One woman on the website uses these by whisking them with olive oil (2 tablespoons), garlic powder (3 pinches), salt (a dash), and rice wine vinegar (to taste)- and uses the vinaigrette on salad and to marinate meat and drizzle over veggies. The third important factor is SLEEPING 8 HOURS EVERY NIGHT. Now for those of us college students this is a very difficult factor. You brain needs sleep to function properly. It uses the downtime to sort and store information. Also, new research has shown that sleep helps strengthen memory recall. Some sleeping tips are to cut down on fluids and keep your bedroom cool (around 63 degrees), quiet, and dark. I hope some of you will use these tips because I would hate for anyone to have to experience this horrible disease. And Tabitha I hope everything goes well with the grandmother! (w.c. 329)