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Why is brain health important?
The brain is one of the most complex and largest organ that we have in the human body. It is made up of more than 100 billion nerves that communicate in trillions of connections called synapses. [1] Our brain controls thoughts, memories, emotions, touch motor skills, and vision. [2] However, research shows that memory problems can begin in the early stages of life and increase as we age. [3] Although research does suggest that memory problems can begin at an early stage, it is important to consider that declining cognition is not an inevitable part of ageing. However, it is important to change lifestyle habits such as getting the nutrients you need to ensure that our brains function at its best as we age.
How do antioxidants support brain health?
As your brain ages, the nerve cells would find it harder to defend themselves against toxins called free radicals. However, our bodies have trustworthy antioxidants to protect themselves against oxidative stress. [4] Antioxidants can be found in fruits, vegetables and dietary supplements including brain health supplements.
What nutrients can be good for my brain health?
There are many types of nutrients that can be good for the brain, below is a list of antioxidants that could potentially improve and protect your brain health. The list of antioxidants include:
- Flavonoids are naturally found in fruits and vegetables. [5] The richest foods in flavonoids include wild berries such as (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and cherries). [6] Citrus fruits which are also rich in Flavonoids include oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, and limes. [7] Research suggests that flavonoids can help brain health by reducing cell-damaging free radicals and soothing inflammation. Some studies suggest that flavonoids may offer protective effects for brain cells. [8]
- Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, not only can vitamin C help with your brain’s health but it can also help support the immune system and tissue health as well. [9] Some foods that are rich in vitamin C include guava, strawberries, blueberries, lemons, limes and oranges to name a few. [10]
- Vitamin D is known to have antioxidants. [11] Research suggests that a lack of Vitamin D deficiency could potentially be linked to brain health conditions such as memory loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s. [12] However, the problem with vitamin D deficiency is that around 50% of the world population is not getting enough sunlight that they need. [13] Many people can get their daily average of vitamin D through sunlight and dietary supplements.
- Vitamin E is another rich antioxidant. [14] Vitamin E has fat-soluble antioxidants that cross through the blood-brain barrier. There have been many “Emerging and encouraging evidence related to Vitamin E affecting brain health in a positive way.” [15] Some natural nutritious foods that are rich in Vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts and mangos to name a few. [16]
Key takeaways
- Our bodies have trustworthy antioxidants to protect ourselves against oxidative stress.
- Some antioxidants that could potentially protect our brain’s health include Flavonoids, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E.
- Foods rich in Flavonoids include wild berries such as (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and cherries). As well as these citrus fruits are also rich in Flavonoids including: oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, and limes.
- Foods rich in Vitamin C includes guava, strawberries, blueberries, lemons, limes and oranges.
- Foods rich in Vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts and mangos.
- Many people get their Vitamin D through sunlight or supplements.
To conclude, it is essential that we nourish and protect our brain’s health. As mentioned in this blog antioxidants could potentially help protect and nourish our brains. There are different types of antioxidants including Flavonoids, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. Therefore it is important to have rich foods containing antioxidants. Or alternatively, there are many 100% natural supplements such as Authentic Biotics supplements for brain health and immunity, where both of these supplements contain antioxidants.
This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.