Brainy Benefits: How Turkey Can Support Senior Cognition
January 2024
Diet is crucial for healthy aging, as it can affect mental and physical well-being. Certain foods are known to provide health benefits one would otherwise need to get from vitamins or other supplements. One food that stands out as a mainstay of healthy protein recommendations for seniors is turkey, especially when it comes to normal brain function.
In 2004, medical researchers developed the MIND diet, or Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. The diet incorporates recommendations from Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, aiming to slow or reduce cognitive decline. Mediterranean and DASH diets recommend eating, in addition to brain-healthy food groups like vegetables, berries and whole grains, at least two servings of poultry per week and limiting red meat.
Adding turkey to your menu or meal program is a great way to meet this recommendation. Not only is it a smart alternative to red meat and pork, but turkey is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including these four, which are associated with healthy cognition:
- L-Tryptophan: Promotes better sleep, mood stability and improved attention and memory.
- Selenium: Reduces and repairs damage to brain cells by free radicals.
- Tyrosine: Enhances cognitive performance, specifically for working memory and executive function.
- Zinc: Essential for healthy brain function, especially learning and memory.
The MIND diet is associated with a lowered risk of Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, making its food recommendations especially relevant for seniors in assisted living or healthcare facilities. Turkey is a lean protein packed with vitamins and minerals that can support the healthy aging process. It’s also a delicious and versatile poultry choice that may enhance seniors’ well-being and quality of life.
How would you incorporate turkey into your facility’s food program? Let us know on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, then be sure to visit our Resource Center for more tips and trends.
Sources:
- https://peakbraininstitute.com/secret-brain-boosting-power-turkey/
- https://www.artfulhomecare.net/6-reasons-older-adults-should-be-eating-more-turkey/
- https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2023/what-is-the-mind-diet-brain-health.html
- https://angelsoncall.com/diets-that-keep-seniors-living-healthier-and-longer/
- https://www.morrisonliving.com/wellness-category/mind-diet-top-of-mind-senior-living-communities/
