Your brain is one of the most important parts of your body, as without it you can’t do anything. The brain is the control center of the body, and it is responsible for every other function, such as breathing, thinking, and feeling. Therefore, protecting your brain and keeping it in good working order is something you should be aware of.
Having a brain that works as it is supposed to is something that we can easily take for granted, but you should be actively seeking out ways to protect your brain’s health. One of the best ways you can do this is through your diet. Many different foods have been linked to a healthy brain, so by assessing your diet, you could be protecting your brain and enhancing how it works. Here are some of the additions you can make to your diet to help ensure that your brain works efficiently for longer.
Oily Fish
Many medical professionals recommend adding more forms of fatty and oily fish to your diet in order to protect your brain. These include types of fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as sardines and salmon.
This is because around 60 percent of your brain is fat, and around half of that fat is made up of omega-3 which is used by the brain to build brain cells that enable us to learn and remember things. Therefore, you should remember that not all fats are necessarily a bad thing and we do need some forms of fat in our diet to stay healthy.
Blueberries
While it is important for our overall health and wellbeing that we include fruit in our daily diets, by adding blueberries to your diet, you will find that there are additional brain benefits. Dark colored berries, such as blueberries, are known to provide anthocyanins, which are a group of compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
This can help to protect our brain as inflammation and stress can add to the brain aging process and contribute towards other neurodegenerative diseases. Blueberries have also been found to improve communication between various brain cells.
Additional Supplements
If for whatever reason you struggling to include brain foods in your diet, then brain health supplements are an option too. Investing in supplements for your brain is a great way for you to minimize the potential impact of degeneration of the brain while also encouraging neuroplasticity. There are different forms of supplements available, depending on what area of your brain you want to protect. For example, citicoline based supplements are known for their memory boosting skills as they boost the neurotransmitter in your brain that is responsible for memories.
However, the plant Panax ginseng can be used as an immune booster, brain enhancer and a mood stabilizer. For these reasons it has become particularly popular amongst those who suffer from stress and anxiety; two conditions which are bad for your brain’s health.
Eggs
Eggs are a good form of nutrients for your brain as they include vitamins B6 and B12, which are choline and folate. Choline is particularly important as it is a micronutrient that creates acetylcholine in your body; this is a neurotransmitter that helps your memory and regulates your mood. Research studies have found a significant correlation between better mental function and memory and higher intakes of choline.
Looking after our brain’s health is one of the most important things we can do for our body, so make sure that you are optimizing your diet to keep you and your brain feeling healthier for longer.
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
