Last updated on April 14, 2022
The human brain can process information at a speed of 268 miles per hour? It is a vital organ in the human body, which helps us remember, learn, reason, and think. Did you know the human brain is one of the least explored organs? Yes, you heard it right, and that includes brain foods. Many experts agree that there is so much information we haven’t yet discovered about this organ. Interesting facts that we read about the human brain found in the last 15 years include:
- The average weight of an adult brain is 3 pounds.
- The brain consists of 2% of the total body weight.
- It contains 73% water and uses 20% of oxygen and energy.
- A piece of brain tissue as tiny as the size of a grain of sand contains 100000 neurons and 1 billion synapses. The neurons and the synapses are constantly communicating with each other.
What Happens to the Brain as We Age?
As you age, your body goes through immense changes. You may notice that your skin tends to lose its elasticity, hair turns grey; similarly, even your brain slowly changes in many ways. As humans age, their memory starts to deteriorate and even their cognitive abilities.
Although you cannot stop aging and the changes that come with it, there are ways to keep your brain healthy. You can start by making some lifestyle changes like changing your diet and indulging in a physical workout.
Relationship between a balanced diet and brain health
According to Dr. Drew Ramsey, ¹ “The risk of depression increases about 80% when you compare teens with western diet to those who eat a whole-foods diet”. Just like all your body organs, even your brain needs nutritious food for it to function well. Diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids protects the brain from oxidative stress. In this article, let us explore the best and worst brain foods for a healthy brain.
Best Brain Foods
Dark Chocolate: Who doesn’t love chocolate? Here’s great news for all the chocolate lovers out there, dark chocolate, packed with promising compounds for your brain. This brain food contains a high amount of cocoa as compared to regular chocolate. The flavonoids in cocoa stimulate blood flow to the brain, enhance memory and slow down mental decline due to age. Chocolate is also known to be an excellent mood booster.
Coffee: There have been studies showing that drinking coffee is good for your overall well-being. The consumption of this brain food improves mood, increases memory and concentration. Drinking coffee for a prolonged period is also associated with less risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s.
Turmeric: This Indian spice received a lot of attention for its fantastic health benefits. Since ancient times, this brain food has been used in ayurvedic medicine to treat several health ailments. This ingredient can enter the brain directly and enhances memory, eases depression, and supports the growth of new brain cells.
Worst Brain Foods
Sugary drinks: Time and again, you must have read about the harmful effects of high-sugar diets. The intake of a high number of sugary beverages increases the risk of dementia. It also leads to memory problems.
Processed foods: Common processed foods like bread, breakfast cereals, ready-to-eat meals, cakes, biscuits can be detrimental to your health and brain. Regularly consuming these foods leads to cognitive impairment and loss of memory.
Red meat: It’s always best to consume less amount of red meat. The saturated fat in red meat may lead to plaque formation in the brain, and it may also affect the vital functions of your brain.
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Sources
- https://centerforanxietydisorders.com/diet-and-mental-health/
- https://bebrainfit.com/human-brain-facts/ (brain facts)
- https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/11-fun-facts-about-your-brain
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