Nutritionist Says This Is The Best Nutrient For A Healthy Brain
There’s really no true method when it comes to preventing dementia and keeping the brain healthy. However, many studies have shown that certain nutrients can help to prevent loss of cognitive functioning as you age.
Dr. Uma Naidoo is a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and nutritional biologist. According to CNBC Make It, there are three nutrients proven to protect brain functioning that interest nutritionists like Dr. Uma Naidoo.
The three neuroprotective nutrients that were the most interesting to nutritionists are antioxidants, B vitamins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Supplements can help to provide these important nutrients. However, it is suggested that you eat real foods first. This is especially good to do when you need more fatty acids, like omega-3s. Eating whole foods instead of taking supplements is better because the foods give you extra vitamins, protein, minerals, and healthy fats.
According to Dr. Uma Naidoo, the best nutrient for brain health are omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are often found in many different wild-caught fatty fish. This includes anchovies, salmon, and sardines.
It’s suggested that you eat about eight ounces of these fatty fish per week. That’s around two servings of fish as one is usually 3-4 ounces in the United States. Doing this is an extremely good way to get the omega-3s that you need.
If you don’t like seafood there’s still plenty of ways to get the omega-3 fatty acids that you need. Some plant based sources that are high in these fatty acids include walnuts, chia seeds, sesame seeds, and flax seeds. Just an ounce of chia seeds is higher than the recommended daily intake of omega-3s.