We are always worried about what goes into our bodies, but a neurologist tries to draw attention to what needs to be fed to our brains to improve our mental health.
Yes, what you eat directly affects your mood and the overall well-being of your mind. While several food items are good for the brain, one specific supplement is believed to be highly effective.
Super ‘brain food’ for better mental health
Neurologist Dr. Reeta Achari shared on BBC’s podcast The Food Chain that what we eat directly contributes to the development of our brain.
Although a balanced diet with the right amount of macronutrients and micronutrients is important for the overall development of the brain, Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to be especially beneficial for the organ.
The neurologist explains that mitochondria – the powerhouse of the cells – derive energy from glycogen and Omega-3 fatty acids.
So when the Omega-3 fatty acids enter the brain, the cells produce more energy. “We are fueling the cells themselves to do the good things that they know how to do,” Dr. Rita explained.
The above fact is backed by Harvard Health in one of their publications that states: “Omega-3s can easily travel through the brain cell membrane and interact with mood-related molecules inside the brain. They also have anti-inflammatory actions that may help relieve depression.”
You don’t have to worry if you haven’t included Omega-3 fatty acids-rich food such as fish in your diet all these years as the doctor says “it’s never too late” to improve your brain health.
Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist, who was also present on the podcast noted that a study conducted on malnourished children showed that healthy food improves brain score, attention, ADHD, and more.
Importance of a balanced diet
Our body gets the macronutrients – fat, protein, and carbohydrates – from the food we eat. However, the micronutrients, which are the minerals and vitamins, are not produced inside our body and we must get them from the food we consume.
Micronutrients are co-factors of enzymes within each cell that are responsible for different reactions, so it’s essential to feed your body a balanced diet.
However, our brain is “voracious” as it’s working all the time, even when we are asleep. Therefore, it requires a greater amount of micronutrients to make the neurotransmission happen.
Therefore, eating a balanced diet is critical to receiving the right amount of micronutrients, without which you may not feel as “sharp” as you would on a day when you have a complete meal.
