Tag: Neuroplasticity

The midbrain, a small yet vital part of the brainstem, controls eye movement, vision, and hearing. Maintaining its health is crucial for overall neurological function and can be significantly influenced by what you consume and your lifestyle habits. Understanding what nourishes the midbrain is a key step toward cognitive wellness.

According to research, fasting can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuron growth and survival. This critical mechanism helps explain how fasting affects learning, memory, and overall cognitive resilience.

Did you know that despite making up only 2% of your body weight, your brain consumes around 20% of your daily energy intake? To fuel this powerhouse organ and keep it functioning optimally, providing it with a complex and balanced array of nutrients is paramount for sustaining focus, sharpening memory, and protecting against cognitive decline.

A study published in the *Journal of the American Heart Association* revealed that regular avocado consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart attacks. For individuals recovering from a stroke, a heart-healthy diet is paramount, and this fruit's nutritional profile makes it an excellent choice for supporting recovery and overall wellness. Incorporating nutrient-dense foods like avocado can aid in repairing the body and brain following a cerebrovascular event.

Over 60% of adults may not get enough magnesium from their diet, which can negatively affect overall health, including brain function. As an essential mineral, magnesium is crucial for over 300 enzymatic reactions, and its deficiency can lead to significant cognitive and neurological issues.

Research suggests that adequate vitamin A and beta-carotene intake is inversely associated with depression, indicating its role in mental well-being. This essential nutrient, often recognized for its role in vision, is also critical for brain development and function, making its impact on mental health an area of growing scientific interest.

According to Rush University Medical Center researchers, people whose diets closely matched the MIND diet, a brain-focused dietary pattern, had a 53% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. While no single food provides a shortcut to genius, a consistent diet rich in specific nutrients is proven to support cognitive function, memory, and concentration.

According to a long-term Harvard study, women who consumed two or more servings of strawberries and blueberries each week experienced delayed memory decline by up to two and a half years compared to their peers. So, which berries improve memory and cognitive function? The science points to a few powerful varieties rich in flavonoids and antioxidants.

While standard magnesium is vital for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, most forms have limited ability to increase magnesium levels in the brain. Unlike other varieties, magnesium L-threonate is uniquely formulated to cross the blood-brain barrier, directly targeting brain health and cognitive function.

According to a study published in the journal *Neurology*, individuals who engaged in more frequent cognitively stimulating activities, including reading, experienced a slower rate of memory decline in later life. To truly maximize cognitive potential, one can learn how to feed the brain book, and combine stimulating literature with targeted nutritional strategies for synergistic benefits.