5 food groups to feed your brain

A new restaurant has opened in New York City that is taking the idea of “brain food” to the next level. The eatery consulted and went into business with Dr. Alon Seifan – a neurologist specializing in aging and dementia – and serves up meals that consist of only five food groups: fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats. According to Dr. Seifan, these food groups are the basis of many diets found in Blue Zones – regions where people tend to live longer and healthier lives and are less likely to lose brain volume as they age. (Conquer the aging process with this one thing.)

One notable Blue Zone is the Mediterranean, which may have sparked the recent trend of following a Mediterranean diet for a multitude of potential health benefits. The Mediterranean diet is mostly plant-based and consists of plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, olive oils, and oily fish – foods that fall into the food groups outlined by Dr. Seifan. This diet has also been found to prevent cerebral atrophy, or brain volume loss, in older adults who followed it strictly.
The restaurant’s menu is also packed with superfoods like avocado, nuts, leafy greens, as well as antioxidant-rich honey. Dr. Seifan commented, “Antioxidants improve our circulation, and they improve the stability of the cell membranes in our eyes and brains.” In addition to feeding hungry patrons healthy, brain-boosting foods, Dr. Seifan also provides them with knowledge and advice on how food and diet may influence their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease during his weekly Thursday Night Talks. These talks also include moderated sessions wherein experts share information on a variety of health topics to help inform patrons of what they can do to better their health. (Boost energy, reduce fatigue, and improve cardiovascular function.)

A restaurant specifically designed to serve up healthy combinations with the purpose of improving brain health may be just what the doctor ordered, as recent reports have shown that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia rates are steadily climbing in the United States.