Source: Found here
A recent study published in Nature Mental Health journal backed this up, and found when it comes to brain health, nothing beats a balanced diet. Dr Wei Cheng, one of the study’s authors at Fudan University in China said, “People who ate a more balanced diet had better ‘fluid intelligence’ [the ability to problem solve] and better processing speed, memory and executive functions [which include things like organisational skills and attention].”
However, says Dr Berry, “there are some magic ingredients in certain foods that really can help our brains.”
One study from the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research found that omega-3 supplements containing EPA and DHA (two types of omega-3s) improved symptoms of depression and may also help prevent it. Other good sources of omega-3s include herring, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, chia seeds and walnuts.
“Nuts and seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition and packed with polyphenols and nutrients, which impact brain health,” says DrBerry. Polyphenols are micronutrients occurring naturally in plants, and growing evidence has linked them to cognitive function and brain wellness.
“Walnuts are particularly good,” says Dr Amati. A 2020 study published in the journal Nutrients found that eating walnuts led to improvements in memory and brain functioning. However, all nuts and seeds have been linked to slower cognitive decline , and a 2021 study found people at risk of cognitive decline, such as a family risk of Alzheimer’s, had better outcomes if they ate more nuts – specifically walnuts.
