Brain myths busted!
Are superfoods and supplements really helping your mind?
There is a lot of information out there about how to keep our brains healthy, but according to neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr Sanjay Gupta, a lot of it might not be helpful. Find out the facts about these common mindrelated misconceptions.
MYTH Superfoods like kale, spinach, nuts and seeds will protect your brain
TRUTH
The term superfood has no medical meaning whatsoever. Although it implies that a food provides health benefits, it’s a marketing term the food industry uses to sell more products. Some foods with the superfood halo on them can be super good for you, such as fresh blueberries and a handful of omega-3-rich macadamia nuts, but be careful about claims that they do something specific for the brain. And there are “superfoods” sold out there that are anything but – juice drinks made with 100 per cent fruits are mostly sugar and are stripped of what made those fruits super to begin with, fibre.
MYTH Supplementing your diet with vitamins, omega-3 fish oil and vitamin D is a good thing and helps make up for dietary flaws
TRUTH
Supplements do not take the place of real food, and some can be harmful. The supplement industry is woefully unregulated – supplement manufacturers do not have to test their products for effectiveness or safety. While there are some quality supplement makers with a solid and ethical track record, not a single expert I spoke to suggests using supplements unless you’re truly deficient in some way.
MYTH Taking supplements marketed for boosting brain health, such as ginkgo biloba and coenzyme Q10, is a great way to prevent dementia
TRUTH
We’d all love to think we can maintain our cognitive powers by popping a few pills a day. These antidementia supplements are backed by some clever advertising and are often sold by major retailers, giving them the hue of total legitimacy. But they are not backed by science. No known dietary supplement improves memory or prevents cognitive decline or dementia. Spend the money you’d waste on supplements on something that will help your brain: a good pair of walking shoes or a new pillow for a good night’s sleep.