June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. During this time, there are many things we can do as individuals and as communities to promote brain health and raise awareness of research involving Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment. Hy-Vee registered dietitians and the Alzheimer’s Association want you to know what you can do and what you need to know about brain health nutrition strategies.
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms eventually become severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving skills, and other thinking skills that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Nationwide, approximately 7 million people have Alzheimer’s. 62,000 people in Iowa have Alzheimer’s. Additionally, 11 million people in the United States are caregivers for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
With so much at stake and so many lives affected, it makes sense to do all we can to boost brain health. Research shows that early identification of people with poor diets and interventions such as the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Interventions to Delay Neurodegeneration) eating pattern can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The MIND-style diet incorporates elements of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets and is rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and other antioxidants. This eating pattern is high in plant-based nutrients and encourages eating fish at least once a week, which is an important source of omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain health.
Omega-3 fatty acids serve many other important functions in the body, including supporting a healthy heart. They also help lower cholesterol and especially triglyceride levels. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Nordic Naturals and GOED, you can register for the Hy-Vee Healthy You Omega-3 Index Screening Tour. Contact your local Hy-Vee registered dietitian for more information or register here to schedule your appointment today.
You can also join the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in your community by forming a team, raising funds, and getting your company involved. Every dollar raised will benefit people living with Alzheimer’s in your community by providing local care and support programs and making progress toward treatment, prevention, and ultimately a cure. For more information, visit Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Julie Gallagher is a registered dietitian at Hy-Vee.
Mediterranean Crusted Halibut. (Hy-Vee)
recipe
Mediterranean Halibut
Serves 4
material:
2 small zucchinis or summer squash, cut into 1/2-inch slices
4 ounces asparagus (cut into 2-inch lengths)
1/4 cup olive oil (separated)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper (optional)
2 teaspoons fresh parsley and basil, plus more for garnish
4 fresh or frozen skinless halibut fillets (5-6 ounces each)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup crumbled Mediterranean herb feta cheese
Lemon slices (for serving)
direction:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add zucchini, summer squash, and asparagus to pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with herbs.
Wash the fish and pat dry. Add to the skillet with the vegetables. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, and remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Sprinkle mixture over the fish and press lightly to coat.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork (140°C). Sprinkle with more herbs, if desired. Serve garnished with lemon slices.
Source: Mediterranean Crusted Halibut | Hy-Vee
