Healthwatch: Top foods for better brain health
Published: July 27, 2026 at 4:27 AM
If you’re looking for ways to improve your brain health, it’s important to pay attention to your diet. But how do you know which one is best?
“The MIND diet is one that I focus on because it has been shown in research studies to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Sandra Darling, DO, a preventive medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic
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According to Dr. Darling, the MIND diet emphasizes plant-based foods like berries, leafy greens, whole grains, beans and nuts
The diet also favors fish and poultry over red meat
Dr. Darling said these foods provide key nutrients that can help reduce inflammation and protect brain cells
On the other hand, the MIND diet focuses on limiting foods high in saturated fat and added sugar
To make healthier choices easier, Dr. Darling recommends cooking over going out when you can
“Prepare more meals at home using those whole and minimally processed foods that give our brain the nutrients it needs. That way, we’re eating less of the ultraprocessed foods and reducing those harmful components from the diet, like excess sodium, saturated fat, unhealthy oils and sugar,” Dr. Darling said
Along with healthy eating, Dr. Darling said regular exercise, good sleep and managing stress can support brain health as well
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