Protect your brain with healthy food choices
Similar to athletes looking to improve their physical performances, diet can help boost the brain’s aptitudes and protect it from ageing. Ahead of Brain Awareness Week, from March 12 to 18, 2018, here’s a look at some effective dietary choices for boosting brain health.
While exercise, sleep, managing stress and maintaining social relationships are decisive factors in the prevention of brain ageing, eating a healthy, balanced diet also plays a key role in maintaining brain health all through one’s life.
Favouring certain foods can also help boost memory and one’s ability to learn. Good fats (omega 3) and complex carbohydrates are wise choices.
Foods with properties that protect the brain include those often associated with the Mediterranean diet, which is also good for heart health. Here, the focus is on seasonal fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, as well as omega-3 rich oils and oilseeds, and wholegrain cereals such as rice, buckwheat, quinoa, etc.
As for fruits, red berries including strawberries, blackcurrants, blueberries and cranberries, have been found to prevent age-related neurodegenerative disease. These, like white meat, can be consumed twice a week. Whole seeds, fish, olive oil and wine also get the green light.
While the most harmful food groups include red meat, animal fats, sugary foods, fried food and fast food. These should be eaten occasionally and in moderation.