The brain is the fattiest organ of the human body, and its fat content is as high as 60%.
Therefore, consuming the right oil is essential to maintain the cognitive function of your brain and prevent memory loss.
Most people probably know that fatty fish, nuts, seeds and berries are brain-friendly foods.
In addition to these foods, there are 4 superfoods that can enhance brain function and prevent dementia.
1. Cold-pressed virgin olive oil
Cold-pressed virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which help build brain myelin and maintain brain cell membrane structure.
Myelin sheath is the outer membrane that wraps the brain neurons. Its role is to increase the brain nerve conduction speed and protect the brain neurons.
Animal experiments conducted by Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in the United States also found that Cold-pressed virgin olive oil can reduce Tau protein deposits in the brains of young mice (it is one of the important indicators for judging Alzheimer’s disease). Therefore, intake of olive oil may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
A number of large-scale experiments also pointed out that consuming no more than 1 liter of cold-pressed virgin olive oil per week can prevent brain deterioration and improve cognitive function. This may be one of the reasons why people on the Mediterranean diet are less likely to suffer from dementia.
2. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in “flavanols”, which are a type of bioflavonoids.
Bioflavonoids are mostly found in vegetables and fruits. They can help plants produce different colors and have a strong antioxidant effect. Therefore, bioflavonoids can help your body resist viruses, various toxins, carcinogens and allergic substances.
Flavanols can promote brain blood flow, maintain blood vessel elasticity and increase cerebral blood oxygen, helping to improve your short-term memory and concentration.
3. Kelp
Kelp is rich in the mineral magnesium, which is an essential substance to maintain the functioning of your brain.
Magnesium also helps stabilize the nervous system, helps neurotransmission and strengthens concentration and memory.
The Alzheimer Drug Discovery Foundation has also pointed out that people who regularly consume magnesium have a lower chance of developing dementia.
In addition to magnesium, kelp is also rich in Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids,
Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids are a well-known brain-building food. The DHA contained in Omega-3 fatty acids is a source of fat for brain nerve cell membranes, which can help the regeneration and conduction of brain neurons.
Other benefits of omega-3 include activating brain cells, enhancing learning and memory, promoting fetal brain development and preventing dementia in the elderly.
4. Avocado
Avocados not only contain a high proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids. They also contain a variety of natural antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, folic acid, minerals magnesium and potassium. These nutrients can help maintain normal brain function.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that protects brain cells from free radical attacks and reduces the brain’s fat peroxidation.
Brain fat peroxidation can cause brain cell damage and death. It can also cause brain aging and functional decline.
In addition, the potassium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin K and fiber, contained in avocados, can help lower blood pressure.
A study published by the University of Oxford, in the journal Nature Communication pointed out that when systolic blood pressure exceeds 140 mmHg, the cognitive function of the brain will be significantly reduced. Additionally, the structure of the brain can also be changed, affecting and decreasing people’s thinking speed. If there is no timely improvement and treatment, it may worsen.
