Great Food Can Improve Brain Development (Even Before Birth)

What we eat – and what our kids eat – affects so much in life: appearance, energy, cognition, focus, mood, how often we get sick, how quickly we get better, how likely we are to develop a chronic disease, and how we age. Every bite of food is either an investment in our future, a new debt we are taking out, or some of both. There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of real food. One healthy way of eating that has been studied a lot is the Mediterranean diet, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fish, herbs, spices, and olive oil. Red meats, processed foods, and added sugars are limited. Long-term enjoyment of a Mediterranean diet has been linked to many great benefits, including better cognitive function, better memory, better mood, and better quality of life (as well as a lower chance of neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly). The Mediterranean diet’s cognitive benefits might spring from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. It has been linked with reduced oxidative stress, which plays a crucial role in both neurodevelopment and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Key nutrients in this diet that contribute to cognitive health include omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols. Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts, have been associated with improved brain function and reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Polyphenols, abundant in fruits, vegetables, and olive oi...
Source: Conversations with Dr Greene - Category: Child Development Authors: Tags: Dr. Greene's Blog Uncategorized Mediterranean Diet Pregnancy Nutrition Top Family Nutrition Source Type: blogs