(NaturalHealth365)  The foods you enjoy in your 30s, 40s, and 50s don’t just satisfy your taste buds – they hold the potential to impact your cognitive health down the road.  Sadly, this concept is often neglected early in life, even though the consequences can cause serious harm.  For example, a recent study featured in Alzheimer’s & Dementia solidifies the link between a heart-healthy diet and cognitive well-being in your later years.

This isn’t speculative … because the science is undeniable.  The study paints a clear picture: our food choices today play a crucial role in determining our cognitive resilience as we age.  It’s not just about satisfying immediate cravings; it’s about laying the foundation for a mentally resilient future.

It’s never too late to change your diet for a healthier heart

The NYU Grossman School of Medicine recently explored the connection between women’s diets in middle age and their cognitive health later on.  In a study involving 5,116 women, they discovered a fascinating link.

Here’s the intriguing part:  Women who followed heart-healthy diets to manage their blood pressure in middle age had a 17% lower risk of experiencing memory issues as they aged.  This finding carries significant weight for a couple of reasons.  First, research has consistently shown that high blood pressure, especially in middle age, increases the likelihood of developing memory problems and dementia.

What adds to the importance of this discovery is that the majority of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease, a common form of dementia, are women.  Adding another layer to the puzzle, the number of older individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is predicted to double in the next 40 years.  So, making healthy dietary choices now might just be a key factor in keeping your memory sharp in the future!

Heartbreakers: Top 5 foods to avoid for a healthy heart

While genetics undoubtedly play a small role in heart health, your lifestyle choices will significantly impact the well-being of your heart (and brain) as you age.  Steering clear of certain delectable yet unhealthy foods is a proactive step you can take to promote heart health.

Here’s a brief overview of the top five offenders to avoid for the sake of your heart:

1. Sugar-sweetened beverages:  Sugary drinks like sodas and sweetened juices contribute to weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease due to their high sugar content.
2. Excessive red meat:  While 100% grass fed meats can be part of a healthy diet, excessive consumption of conventional red and processed meats are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
3. Highly processed snacks:  Snacking on highly processed and refined snacks, such as chips and crackers, often means ingesting unhealthy trans fats, GMOs, excessive salt, and empty calories, all of which can adversely affect heart health.
4. Commercial baked goods:  Many commercially produced baked goods, like cakes, cookies, and pastries, are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates, contributing to heart health risks.
5. Excessive alcohol:  Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.  It’s important to consume alcohol in moderation (or, avoid completely) as advised by a holistic healthcare provider.

But don’t be mistaken!  Choosing a heart-healthy path isn’t just about avoiding certain foods – it’s a daily commitment to your well-being.  Beyond steering clear of the pitfalls mentioned, embracing a diet rich in organic whole foods, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight are so important.

Your heart deserves the best, and every intentional choice you make matters.  What are your go-to strategies for heart health?  Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s build a community of heart-conscious, thoughtful living!

Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to improve heart function and eliminate the threat of heart disease naturally, own the Cardiovascular Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

Wiley.com
Sciencedaily.com
Medstarhealth.org