When Max Lugavere's mother began displaying symptoms of memory loss at a young age, he decided to learn everything he possibly could about how to optimize brain function. In today’s podcast episode, Max shares his invaluable insights into the power of nutrition in improving brain power, including the genius foods you should be adding to your menu and the foods you should be avoiding at all costs. Don’t miss Max’s research-backed tips to help you boost your brain health and reduce your risk of disease, one bite at a time!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Max Lugavere’s free Genius Guide to Hacking Restaurants and Supermarkets by going to www.jjvirgin.com\maxl   Main Points From Today’s Episode 1. Most of the time, dementia begins in the brain decades before the first symptom of memory loss. That can be 30 to 40 years earlier, and by some accounts, even earlier than that. 2. The consumption of dark leafy greens has been linked to reduced brain aging by up to eleven years. Max recommends eating a large, fatty salad every day with a base of dark leafy greens. 3. Avocados are the ultimate genius food. They’re packed with multiple forms of vitamin E, carotenoids, potassium, and healthy fats, all of which benefit brain health.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:45] Max Lugavere’s career briefing. [2:55] How did Max become interested in nutrition for optimal brain function? [4:20] Max’s mother began to display symptoms of memory loss at a very young age. [6:17] After going from hospital to hospital, Max’s mother was given a diagnosis. [10:42] Genius foods: the best choices for boosting brain function and reducing the risk of disease. [12:20] Avocados are the ultimate genius food. [13:18] The consumption of dark leafy greens has been linked to reduced brain aging by up to eleven years. [14:09] Why iceberg is the “junk food” of lettuce. [15:12] Grass-fed beef and other healthy animal protein sources contribute to brain growth. [17:02] Fatty fish like wild salmon contain the healthy fat DHA, which is one of the most critical brain building blocks. [18:42] Egg yolks contain all the ingredients required to grow a healthy brain. [19:56] Which foods should be avoided? [20:07] How sugar can wreak havoc on your brain health. [23:01] The dangers of polyunsaturated grain and seed oils. [25:30] Dietary emulsifiers that are added to processed foods can be highly disruptive to the bacteria in your gut. [29:51] Can dementia be prevented? [31:43] Get the free Genius Guide to Hacking Restaurants and Supermarkets. [33:08] Fact: the true cause of weight gain is food intolerance. Discover the 7 foods most likely to cause food intolerance by visiting jjvirgin.com/books. [34:06] Listener’s question: I live in the country and it’s not easy to get fresh fruit and vegetables. Should I choose canned, jarred, dried, or frozen?   Mentioned in this episode: Genius Food www.jjvirgin.com\maxl The Virgin Diet book jjvirgin.com/books JJ Virgin Paleo Inspired Protein Shake JJ Virgin Challenge JJ Virgin at Facebook JJ Virgin at Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices