Cognitive Health & Nutrition

We have previously shared about the link between food and mood, as well as how improving your gut microflora might help reduce anxiety. The link between nutrition and mental health is clear, but another important health aspect related to the gut-brain axis is cognition.

Evidence shows that a diet high in vegetables, whole grains, fish and olive oil (Mediterranean style diet) correlates with higher cognitive function and the prevention of cognitive decline. An analysis by Keenan et al. 2020 showed that high fish and vegetable consumption has the biggest protective effect. You can rest assured that with Kurami, your meals contain a variety of beneficial ingredients, which are bursting with flavours.

Additionally, an interesting finding is that having the ApoE gene, which is related to Alzheimer’s disease and sticking to a Mediterranean diet can balance out the risk of carrying the gene. This once again proves that diet and lifestyle can in many cases over-power our genetic makeup.

As the average lifespan is getting longer, paying more attention to maintaining the quality of life in older age is essential. Looking after your cognitive health forms a crucial part of this. You can do it by including berries, walnuts, leafy greens, oily fish, tea and coffee.

Berries are full of flavonoids, which can help improve memory. A Harvard Birgham and Women’s Hospital study found that women who consumed 2 or more servings of strawberries and blueberries each week delayed memory decline by up to 2 years. Meanwhile, leafy greens are high in vitamin K, lutein, folate and beta-carotene. Leafy greens contribute to slowing down cognitive decline.