Dietary Intake

It is well established that a healthy, well-balanced diet containing adequate amounts of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and trace nutrients is essential for brain health. While some fats like Omega Fatty Acids 3 and 6 are crucial for the creation and maintenance of cell membranes, other fats like trans fats may compromise brain health. Proteins and amino acids affect how we feel and behave. The complex chemical compounds in proteins can stimulate brain cells to release mood-altering chemicals. And trace micronutrients found in fruits and vegetables are important factors that help fight the damage of free radicals. A varied diet of nutrient rich foods is critical for sustained brain power (TED-Ed, 2016).

One recent study found a correlation between diet and variables related to social cognition and mood, and that following a specialized diet may improve psychic wellbeing and the processing of social and affective information (Ugartemendia, et al., 2020). Read more...