A new study found that consuming foods high in choline may lower the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., discovered that eating about 350 milligrams of choline per day is associated with the lowest risk of clinical Alzheimer’s diagnoses in older adults.
Choline is an essential nutrient found in foods such as poultry, dairy products, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, beans, and some fish. According to the USDA, the key sources of dietary choline include:
* Poultry
* Dairy products (milk, yogurt, eggs)
* Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts)
* Beans
* Some fish
Dr. Ilana Muhlstein, a registered dietitian nutritionist, also supports the link between choline and brain health. She cites a 2024 study from China that found increased cognitive function among women consuming more choline.
The researchers emphasized the importance of individualized choline intake needs, as recommended by the Harvard School of Public Health. Premenopausal women may require lower amounts due to higher estrogen levels stimulating choline production in the body.
Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist and brain imaging doctor, agrees that nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining brain health. He recommends incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts and wild salmon, into one’s diet.
A well-rounded diet can also include other brain-boosting options like organic blueberries, green leafy vegetables, and a daily multivitamin. Amen noted that nearly two-thirds of the American population is deficient in vitamin D, which is linked to various health risks, including obesity and cancer.
While a healthy diet may be beneficial for brain health, more research is needed to confirm the findings of this study.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/eating-common-foods-could-reduce-alzheimers-risk-experts-say