Harvard Neuroscientist: Four Foods She Eats Every Day to Improve Memory

According to Harvard-educated neuroscientist Lisa Genova and author of Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting, the foods we eat directly affect the health of our brains. She also holds a degree in biopsychology from Bates College.

This doctor recommends the MIND (Mediterranean Intervention for Neurodegenerative DASH) diet, designed to reduce the risk of cognitive decline as you age.

What is MIND food?

According to this neuroscientist, the most common MIND foods are: leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fish and poultry.

One study found that people who followed a diet containing these foods only moderately reduced their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 37%.

The neuroscientist points out what foods she eats to improve brain health:

• Lean proteins: Lisa Genova recommends lean proteins such as salmon, tuna, eggs and tofu for daily consumption. These foods are an excellent source of vitamins B and D, which are key nutrients for fighting dementia.

• Whole grains: Whole grains are a source of vitamin B, and one study found that people who ate two servings of whole grains per day had a 40% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

• Green leafy vegetables: Spinach and kale are rich in brain-boosting nutrients such as lutein, beta-carotene and folic acid.

• Nuts and seeds: Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils such as flaxseed are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain healthy brain cells and reduce inflammation.

How to make the MIND diet work

The Harvard-educated neuroscientist recommends thinking of MIND as a menu, not a diet. It’s more of a dietary approach where we choose from a variety of foods that protect against cognitive decline.

Moreover, he recommends taking these foods as a regular daily routine and lifestyle, rather than as a diet itself.