Maintaining brain health is very important for everyone. The body and brain go through a natural aging process with age. Therefore, it is normal to experience changes in memory, learning difficulties, how the brain processes new information, and changes in many other cognitive activities.
But did you know that certain foods can improve cognitive abilities, improve focus and memory? What you eat has a huge impact on both the way you age and your own brain function.
Here are 6 foods that have incredible effects on brain health.
choline
Choline, often called vitamin J, is an essential nutrient for brain development and is found in foods such as liver, meat, fish, nuts, beans, peas, spinach, potatoes and eggs.
It is an essential nutrient for brain development related to cognition, learning and memory from pregnancy onwards. Choline is also crucial for the production of various brain components, including acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and learning.
lutein
Lutein is a plant antioxidant found primarily in vegetables that has the ability to keep the brain young.
Lutein’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects make it particularly beneficial for eye and brain health. The best sources of lutein are spinach, kale, corn, zucchini, avocado, and egg yolks.
Omega 3
There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The first two (DHA and EPA) improve learning ability and cognitive performance, while DHA deficiency is associated with learning disabilities.
Omega 3 is mainly found in foods such as walnuts, chia seeds, fatty fish such as salmon or mackerel.
B group vitamins
B vitamins play an important role in maintaining healthy brain function. They improve the production of neurotransmitters and help prevent dementia.
Main sources of B vitamins are lean meat, chicken, fish, dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
proteins
Proteins are essential for brain health as the amino acids they contain are used in the production of neurotransmitters and help develop cognitive skills.
Therefore, any protein deficiency can result in low energy and lack of mental acuity. It’s very important to get protein from foods like fish, chicken, eggs, yogurt, beans, lentils, nuts, and oilseeds.
electrolytes
Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium are essential minerals for brain and body health in general and for the proper functioning of neurons.
A deficiency in these minerals leads to mental and physical drowsiness, muscle spasms, confusion and decreased concentration.
