Nourish & Flourish: Keep it simple and stay sharp

As humans living in the reality of a fallen world, we know that aging is imminent for everyone, but that doesn’t have to mean cognitive decline. Here are some tips for keeping your mind sharp as a tack so you can preserve brain function and memory and keep your brain active:

De-screen your life: Brain rot is not a clinical diagnosis, but it’s a modern problem that can be described as deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state because of trivial or unchallenging online content consumption. Set up boundaries with your electronic devices and enjoy more of life “off screen.”

Be social: Actual face-to-face and in-person socialization between you and another person or people is important. Real-life interaction is good not only for your emotional health, but it causes your brain to be stimulated and exercises the mind, strengthening neural pathways, according to Summa Health.

Use a real map: Turn off your GPS when traveling and let your brain do more of the work than artificial intelligence. See what local places you can discover, and which backroads have the best views! Keep that brain working.

Exercise: This and a nourishing diet are the two best things you can do for all-around wellness, but moving your body allows better blood flow, which includes blood flow in and around the brain.

Learn something new: Keep those neurons firing by picking up a new language, memorizing Scripture, learning choreography, making a quilt, signing up for a class, or venturing into a new-to-you experience that involves learning. Focus on one new thing for a while rather than trying multiple at once.

Going nuts about nuts

A Cleveland Clinic report says that “eating an assortment of nuts can have some serious health benefits.”

• They’re high in protein.
• They’re a good source of dietary fiber.
• They’re full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, folic acid, niacin, magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, copper, and potassium.
• They’re a good source of the amino acid l-arginine, “which helps protect your heart from plaque buildup.”
• They’re also full of “healthful phytochemicals, which have been linked to the prevention of heart disease.”

But what about the fat content? It’s mostly monounsaturated fat, which lowers your “bad” cholesterol while maintaining your good cholesterol.

Still, dietitians suggest you stick to one 1-ounce serving per day or 5 ounces per week of a variety of nuts. How much is a serving? “A handful,” said registered dietitian Devon Peart.

That adds up to more than you’d think, though. For instance, a 1-ounce serving of peanuts is 35 peanuts.

And, in case you forgot, please be on the alert for possible nut allergies in people around you.

Here's a recipe at Kitchen Stewardship for homemade granola made with nuts.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes and is not meant as medical advice. The information is not meant to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health professional.