World Brain Day is observed on July 22 every year. Dr Bharath Kumar Surisetti, Consultant Neuro Physician, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, shares, "Brain is an important organ in the body. Even though it’s just 5% of body weight, it receives 20% of the blood supply due to its high metabolic activity. There are certain foods that help in maintaining this highly active organ. Here are 10 foods perfect for maintaining brain health."
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It directly penetrates the blood-brain barrier and acts as an antioxidant. It also increases brain-derived neurotrophic growth factors and eases depression.
If you needed an added excuse to eat dark chocolate, here it goes - it boosts brain health! Dark chocolates which contain at least 70% cocoa are particularly awesome. Flavonoids found in cocoa are rich in antioxidants and they elevate mood.
Walnuts, which structurally resemble the brain, are very good sources of antioxidants and they improve memory and concentration.
Rich in proteins, Vitamins B6, B12, and choline, eggs are again great to boost brain power. Choline is an important compound in acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. It is useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, and other memory problems.
Geen Tea contains L threonine which can cross the blood-brain barrier and increase GABA levels. It helps in reducing anxiety and relaxes the mind, creating a sense of calm. Apart from green tea, caffeine can be good too. The latter increases dopamine levels and reduces a few symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Vitamin C, loaded in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, is excellent for brain health. It’s an antioxidant and reduces the risk of schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety.
Rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc, pumpkin seeds help in reducing attacks of migraine, depression, and epilepsy
Rich in Vitamin K, broccoli helps in increasing levels of sphingolipids essential for forming a protective sheath over nerves.
Blueberries contain Anthocyanins. They reduce the risk of dementia and improve memory and cognition.
Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are excellent for brain health. They are essential in myelination (forming a sheath over nerves). Children need a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids as the growing brain needs high requirements of this compound.