School has started for most kids in the Carolinas and that has me thinking about how we can better support our brains. What does the brain have to do with what we eat? The gut controls our immune responses and inflammation. Proteins and gut hormones enter the brain and influence cognition, memory, and focus - our emotions as well.
Here is a list of foods to help protect your brain:
1. AVOCADOS
As one of the healthiest foods, avocados provide healthy FATS, which help regulate blood sugar levels and keep our skin glowing. Avocados are also a good source of folate and vitamin K to help prevent blood clots.
2. BLUEBERRIES
One of the richest sources of antioxidants, blueberries help protect your brain from inflammation. Get your sweet on!
3. BONE BROTH
Heal your gut, heal your brain. Bone broth provides a good source of collagen to help heal your gut. It is also a good source of proline and glycine, which help improve memory.
4. SALMON
Another delicious FAT! Salmon has one of the highest contents of omega-3 fatty oils, which help decrease inflammation in the brain, and is an important substance for brain development for the kiddos. Different types of omega-3s like EPA and DHA can also help improve mood.
5. TURMERIC
This deep-yellow spice is a key ingredient in curry powder and has a number of benefits for the brain. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it can directly enter the brain and benefit the cells there.
Curcumin may help improve memory in people with Alzheimer's. It may also help clear the amyloid plaques that are a hallmark of this disease. Read more here.
Turmeric can also ease depression: It boosts serotonin and dopamine, which both improve mood. One study found curcumin improved depression symptoms just as much as an antidepressant over six weeks.
Helps new brain cells grow: Curcumin boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a type of growth hormone that helps brain cells grow. It may help delay age-related mental decline, but more research is needed.
FOOD AS MEDICINE!