Brain Food: What You Eat Affects How You Think

Title: “Feed Your Brain: Your Nutritional Keys to Sharp Thinking and Emotional Balance”

Introduction: Forget pills and puzzles—your next memory boost might be on your plate in the form of Brain Foods. So what are Brain-Foods?

Brain Foods: Some scientific literature define Brain-Foods as foods that are believed to support or enhance brain function. They often contain nutrients like omega-3-fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins that improve memory, cognitive well-being and focusing abilities. Two groups emerge: those foods that provide nourishment to the brain (also known as Brain-Nourishing Nutrients) and Diets that support Brain health. Let us look at some of these Brain-Foods in detail.

Fig. 1: Foods that help boost Brain development and support.

Brain-Nourishing Nutrients: Some examples of nutrients proven to provide nourishment to the brain are listed below with the foods in which they are found. They include Foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids, B-Vitamins and Antioxidants.

  • Omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fats that the human body cannot produce on its own and must therefore be obtained through the eating of certain fats and oils. These support memory and reduce brain fog. They can be found in soyabean oil, canola oil, salmon, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seed.
  • B Vitamins: These are a group of vitamins that are vital for brain function and mood regulation. They are found in whole grains, eggs, beans, dark chocolate and green leafy vegetables.
  • Antioxidants: These are compounds that protect the brain from oxidative stress. They are mostly found in blueberries, dark chocolate, caffeine, , green tea, spinach.

Diets That Support Brain Health: Two examples of human diets that have been shown to support brain health.

  • Lower risk of dementia and depression: reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Better sleep and mood stability: more joy, happiness in life and longevity.

Conclusion: What you feed your brain fuels your entire life. Let us make every bite count towards our total well-being, happiness and longevity.