We often focus on foods to help fuel the body, but what about healthy foods to fuel the brain?
Lack of good nutrition can be detrimental to brain health and mental well-being. There is a strong link between a high sugar, processed foods diet and impaired memory function and depression.
Scientists are now calling Alzheimer’s Type 3 diabetes! Read more here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2769828/
A diet that focuses on brain health should include the following foods.
- Monounsaturated Fatty Acids – MUFAs are good fats that increase the levels of acetylcholine – an essential brain chemical required for learning and memory. Olive oils and avocados are a great source of MUFAs.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids – a major component of the cell membrane that forms the nerve cell. Good sources of omega 3 fatty acids are sardines, salmon, and mackerel. Plant based sources are flax seed, hemp seeds, chia seeds, broccoli, brussel sprouts and walnuts.
- Anti-inflammatory foods – curcumin the key chemical in turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory for the brain. Turmeric can be used in cooking or for making a delicious turmeric latte. Another strong anti-inflammatory food for the brain is cacao, the raw form of chocolate. So, indulge in that piece of dark chocolate. It’s good for the brain!
- L-theanine produces the brain chemical GABA which can promote brain clarity. Green tea and matcha tea are good sources of L-theanine.
- Antioxidants and flavonoids – Found in colorful fruits and vegetables. They help to combat everyday oxidative stress and free radicals our cells are exposed to on a daily basis. They also decrease damage to nerve cells. Berries, especially blueberries, are a great source of antioxidants.
Prevention is the key to any illness so support your brain health by consuming the above foods on a daily basis.
