It should be noted that the health of our brain does not depend only on the food we eat, as there are many factors that can affect the proper functioning of the brain. What we eat every day has an effect on our whole organism, because at the end of the day it is our brain.After all, this is what nourishes it, and what we eat is what is then transformed into the structures of our organs and tissues, we are what we eat, literally.
For our body to function in the best possible way, we need to maintain a varied, balanced and healthy diet. There are multiple scientific studies that show that people who suffer from obesity in adulthood have a higher risk of suffering from dementia than people with normal weight.
This is because obesity leads to insulin resistance, which causes an accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins, one of the direct causes of the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. These proteins, when in excess, form accumulations that prevent the correct functioning of any organ, but one of the most affected is usually the brain.
Another complication that people with obesity often suffer from is cardiovascular disease, which directly affects cerebral blood flow and contributes to neuronal and cognitive deterioration. For these reasons, nutrition is a fundamental pillar to keep our brain in good condition and to enjoy a good memory.. Let’s see which foods can help us.
Which foods are good for memory?
In addition to maintaining a balanced diet, it should be noted that there are foods with properties that contribute to better performance, concentration and memory. Today we bring you a selection of the most relevant so that you can know them.
1. Eggs
Eggs do not usually enjoy a good reputation but they have many benefits that should be taken into account. They are rich in vitamin B6 and B12, folate and choline.. On the one hand, choline is used to synthesize acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and maintain memory. On the other hand, vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with depression which, in the long term, causes severe damage to mental processes. Another element it contains is iron, which, although not 100% absorbed, is essential for the proper functioning of the brain.
2. Oily fish
Oily fish is usually a food rich in fat, especially omega-3 fat.. Among the most famous we find salmon, trout or sardines that can help us maintain adequate levels of this fatty acid in the brain, since half of the brain fat is of the omega-3 type. Our organism uses this molecule to form the structures necessary to generate memory. It also helps learning and prevents problems related to depression or age-related neurodegeneration.
3. Avocado
All fruits are important to keep our organism in good condition, but if we talk about memory, avocado is one of the best, avocado is one of the fruits that can help us to improve our cognitive abilities.. We all know that it has a high fat content, but if we do not abuse it, this fat can favor glucose homeostasis and blood pressure, which, as we have already said, is related to the correct functioning of brain capacities.
They are also rich in vitamin B and folic acid, as are eggs, but they also provide vitamin K, which is involved in proper blood circulation in the brain, and vitamin C, which is essential for our immune system.
4. Turmeric
This spice, most often used as a coloring and also to season dishes, can bring us great benefits. Turmeric contains an active compound, curcumin, which in recent studies has shown that its daily consumption can improve memory and mood in people with and mood in people with mild age-related memory loss.
5. Nuts
Overall, nuts are a food that provide us with many nutrients with beneficial properties such as healthy fats and antioxidant properties.. In particular, walnuts contain a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which, as we have already seen, is related to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. They are also rich in vitamin E, with a great antioxidant capacity that protects cells from oxidation by radicals, which also protects against degeneration of the neurons that form our brain, reducing the risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
6. Chocolate
You will probably be happy to know that this food can also contribute to a good memory, but always in moderation. Cocoa has components such as flavonoids, antioxidant molecules that reduce the risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.antioxidant molecules that are used in the areas of the brain related to learning and memory. There are several studies that support that it can even increase memory and help slow down problems with aging. It also contains other types of antioxidants and caffeine, which we will talk about later and detail its function in the brain.
7. Water
The brain is one of the organs, together with the muscles and kidneys, with the greatest amount of water. We must not forget the importance of water in all aspects, but also at the cerebral level, since if we do not have enough water in our organism the functions of this organ can begin to fail. It is known that 2% dehydration is enough to slow down our thoughts and make it difficult to remember or remember to drink. and difficulties in remembering or making decisions.