How food affects the brain

Food is fuel. You are what you eat. What is the substance behind these slogans?
The facts are that the food you eat is the best form of medicine or worst form of poison. What you eat has big effects on the microbiome in the gut. The microbiome is the microorganisms in a particular environment. Including the body or part of the body.

It is common knowledge that poor nutrition can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, heart problems, as well as diabetes. However, food can have a huge impact on your brain. Poor nutrition can lead to depression, anxiety attacks, poor concentration and event Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to have well balanced nutrition to have a healthy body as well as, a healthy brain. Foods high in sugar, simple carbs, processed foods, unhealthy fats can lead to impaired learning and memory and ultimately can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Studies have shown those who follow a western diet, have an increased risk of depression by 25 to 30%. A western diet primarily consists of processed meat, prepackaged foods, refined sugar, as well as fried foods. Refined sugars often triggers inflammation that triggers oxidative stress.

There are a number of foods that can enhance brain function. For example, foods that contain fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, are great for reducing or preventing oxidative stress. Salmon, kale, garlic and olive oil are some of the best foods for your brain. One food that has shown to improve brain function is dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has shown to improve neuroplasticity in the brain. Berries are another superfood for the brain. Berries have shown to help increase plasticity which is crucial for memory boosting, decrease age related neurodegenerative diseases, as well as reduce inflammation throughout the entire human body.

Vitamin E is shown to support the brain as it ages. Vitamin E also, reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s. Sources of Vitamin E including, grains, seeds and nuts. Whole grain products such as brown rice, barley, whole grain bread, whole grain pasta and oatmeal are excellent choices. In addition, the common peanut, has brain healthy impacts. The key nutrients in peanuts are vitamin E and resveratrol. Resveratrol is an organic blain antioxidant not just found in peanuts but also in mulberries and rhubarb. Resveratrol has been shown to help prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Surprisingly, coffee is considered a superfood. Caffeine, a key ingredient in coffee, blocks adenosine. This substance makes people feel drowsy and sleepy. Coffee increases brain entropy which simply means complex and variable brain activity. High levels of entropy allows your brain to take in more information. Coffee also provides is antioxidants which can help decrease the risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, stroke and cognitive decline.

Other powerful foods for the brain include:
-Avocados are one of the best fats you can eat for your brain and body. Avocados have shown to decrease blood pressure, as well as decrease cognitive decline. Eggs are great for the brain because of the powerful vitamins they contain such as vitamins E, B-12 and folic acid.
-Broccoli contains gluconates. Gluconates, when your body breaks them down, turn into isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates can help decrease oxidative stress as well as decrease the chance of neurodegenerative diseases. Vitamin C and flavonoids are also found in broccoli. These nutrients can also help brain health.

SOURCES:
Genomind.com Google medicalnewstoday.com