3. Don’t forget your B vitamins
The family of B vitamins is a great supporter for cognitive function and other protective measures as well. While the big three: Folate, B6 and B12 are the golden triplets, all B vitamins are important. The Harvard School of Public health notes, “Most healthy adults get sufficient B12 from their regular diet. However, it's common for older people to have some level of B12 deficiency. This might stem not only from a poor diet, but also from age-related reduction in stomach acid, which the body needs in order to absorb B12 from food.” Stress and heartburn medication can also block vitamin B absorption. According to Harvard, these are some good food sources:Folate: Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, breakfast cereals, and fortified grains and grain products. It’s best to avoid foods that are heavily fortified with folic acid.
Vitamin B12: Animal products (such as fish, poultry, meat, eggs, or dairy); it is also found in fortified breakfast cereals and enriched soy or rice milk.
Vitamin B6: Fortified cereals, beans, poultry, fish, and some vegetables and fruits, especially dark leafy greens, papayas, oranges, and cantaloupe.
