Power Foods for the Brain

Plant-based foods are beneficial to the brain and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. A decline in brain health is not an inevitable part of aging. But how we eat and live can help us protect our memory and stay sharp into old age. Research shows saturated and trans fats found in dairy products, meats, pastries, and fried foods can increase the risk for cognitive decline. Instead, eat a plant-based diet, which helps protect brain health. Berries and foods rich in vitamin E, including nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains are especially beneficial. Take a B12 supplement to preserve nerve function. But avoid supplements with iron and copper. These metals can harm brain health. Consume iron supplements only when directed by your physician. You’ll also want to choose aluminum-free products including cookware and baking powder. But diet isn’t your only line of defense. Make sure to lace up those sneakers and exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep for optimal brain health. In this Food for Life: Power Foods for the Brain class, you will learn strategies for maintaining memory and improving brain function including how to prepare brain health-promoting meals.

In this 75 minute nutrition education and cooking class you will learn how your food choices can help us manage hormone-related problems including infertility, hot flashes, diabetes, and depression.

Attendees learn all of this while enjoying cooking demonstrations of 3 delicious, healthful dishes, reviewing useful handouts and recipes, all in a supportive online group setting. For those who wish a cook along experience, recipes will be sent a few days in advance.

Based on the book Your Body in Balance: The New Science of Food, Hormones, and Health by Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, this set of classes addresses hormone-related problems including infertility, hot flashes, diabetes, and depression. Dietary choices have a surprisingly powerful effect on hormones and the problems they cause. The information provided in these classes explains the latest research and offers a new approach to treating, prevention, and even curing many of the most common and persistent health problems.

Learn that health-promoting foods, recipes, and meals can be easy, convenient and tastes great! Each class includes live food demos and hands-on cooking with Stefanie's in-depth food prep knowledge, Q&A, recipes, educational materials all in a supportive group. Recipes are designed to work for people on a budget who may also have minimal time or access to equipment. More importantly, each ingredient supports a low-fat, plant-based diet plan that has been proven to prevent, manage, and in some cases reverse chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disease, and even some forms of cancer.

This event is hosted by Plantspiration® and taught by Stefanie Ignoffo, a licensed Food For Life instructor with the Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine.

Food for Life is an award-winning nutrition education and cooking class program that provides an innovative and evidence based approach to diet-related chronic diseases. Designed by physicians, nurses, and registered dietitians, Food for Life promotes healthful eating based on the latest scientific research.