Food offers brain boosting effects in various methods. Research is evolving in the area of brain health and nutrients. Dementia affects 24 million folks globally, according to the Center for the Longevity of the Brain. This particular statistic points to the need for methods to slow the development of age related cognitive decline, similar to dementia.
Brain Plasticity
One impact of mind boosting food is in the enhancement of plasticity of the human brain. Plasticity is the power of the brain to change with learning as well as experiences. Brain cell plasticity is maintained as well as enhanced with omega-3 fatty acids. Thirty percent of mental cell membranes are produced of omega-3 essential fatty acids, based on the July 2008 “Nature Reviews Neuroscience.” Omega 3 essential fatty acids function in cellular membranes to transport nutrients which encourage brain plasticity. Foods sources of omega 3s are in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, whitefish, herring and tuna.
Slower Brain Deterioration
The process of getting older causes the brain to grow old and deteriorate. Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and See details Huntington’s disease are examples of diseases related to mental deterioration. Certain nutrients disrupt brain deterioration by changing the pathways between neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals which allow for communication between cells. Nutrients also maintain as well as enhance membrane fluidity which enhances communication between cells. Instances of vitamins that contain these properties are curcumin, copper and omega 3 fats, explains the journal “Nature Reviews Neuroscience.”
Protection of Cognition
One influence nutrients have on the mental faculties is in protecting good cells. Foods rich in antioxidants are the very best at providing this benefit. A report in the May 2007 “Journal of Health, Aging” and Nutrition observed 2 antioxidants, E and vitamins C, from both supplemental and dietary sources and the effects of theirs on cognition in an older folk population. Their diets and scores on cognitive assessment exams were also studied. The participants in the research with the highest levels of E as well as vitamin C in their diet scored much higher on the cognition tests. Vitamins C and E are located in citrus fruits, olives, nuts, seeds, avocado, asparagus, vegetables, vegetable oils and wheat germ. Vitamins C and E should come from the diet then and first from supplemental sources if the diet offers limited amounts.
Improvement of Memory