Adding leafy greens to your diet

The study was conducted on 960 people, who did not have dementia and with an average age of 81, they were followed for an average of 4.7 years. The participants were asked about how many servings of leafy greens they were eating each day and divided into groups based on the amount. 1.3 servings was the highest and 0.1 the lowest.

Conducted over 10 years, the results showed that those who ate leafy greens regularly declined slower on memory tests and thinking skills compared with those who rarely ate them. It was concluded by the American team of researchers that regularly eating greens helps to reduce the likelihood of symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Slowing the cognitive decline as people age

Researchers in the UK, studying dementia and Alzheimer's, have since welcomed the study. Dr James Pickett, who is Head of Research at the Alzheimer’s Society, stated: “This study found eating food rich in vitamin K – like spinach, kale, asparagus and everyone’s favourite, Brussels Sprouts – appears to slow cognitive decline as people age… older people who ate one or two servings of vitamin K rich food per day performed better on memory tests than those who didn’t.”

The team also says that the results remain accurate after accounting for other factors including obesity, smoking, physical activity and high blood pressure.

Have you considered incorporating leafy greens into yours or your elderly loved ones diet? Whether or not leafy greens provide a preventative measure for dementia remains to be seen, however, results prove the importance of a balanced and healthy diet for the health of your brain as well as your body.

We understand and appreciate the importance of a well-balanced diet at Allenbrook and provide a range of healthy meals for our residents, catering for all tastes and dietary requirements. We also offer our Homefare meal delivery service providing hot meals and dessert fresh from our kitchen to people in the Fordingbridge, Alderholt and Sandleheath areas.