How does food influence our brain and its function? Here you will find the most exciting findings on the topic of nutrition and performance!
When we eat something, we clearly feel the effects on our body. The stomach is full, maybe it grumbles. We feel sleepy and unfocused. Or we are bursting with energy, are fit and feel totally light.
That our food has an impact on the stomach and intestines is obvious. Also the effects of an excessively large and fatty food on our circulation is absolutely understandable. But how does food influence our brain and its functionality?
If the brain were to be drained and examined for its nutritional content, amazing things would come to light. Because it is much more than an oversized walnut with water around it.
A large part of our brain consists of fats, which you also know as lipids. In addition, there are proteins and amino acids. Also included are traces of micronutrients and also glucose. And a variety of other nutrients.
All these components have a great influence on our performance, our development, our mood and our energy level. How exactly these things are connected, you can find out here!
How does food influence our brain?
Are you in an absolute lunchtime slump right now? Then take a look at your empty plate. We'll explain how your meals affect your well-being and energy level. The answer to the question: "How does food influence our brain and our concentration?
What nuts have to do with Alzheimer's
If our brain were to be drained (don't worry, no one intends to do that!), the greatest weight would go back to the fats or lipids in the brain. These also include the well-known omega fatty acids.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential components of our diet. They prevent degenerative diseases of the brain. This means that they can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
To supply the brain with these fatty acids, it is important to consume healthy fats in particular. These include nuts, seeds and fish. Omega fatty acids support the formation and maintenance of healthy cells.
Why burgers damage our brain
On the other hand, those who consume unhealthy fats more frequently damage their brains in the long term. Burgers and meat in general are rich in unhealthy trans fats and saturated fatty acids.
These unhealthy fats ensure that the functionality of our brain is limited. And even if they do not cause degenerative nerve diseases, they do not help protect us from them.
In addition, unhealthy fats cause deposits to build up in the blood vessels. An increased risk of heart attack is a direct consequence. Increased blood pressure, obesity and diabetes can also be triggered.
What a balanced diet has to do with bouncers
A nutrient-rich diet influences our development, well-being and behavior. Amino acids have a special task. They ensure the optimal transport of nutrients and are responsible for their storage.
Amino acids support the neurotransmitters in the brain. These are chemical signals between neurons that contain information. However, this access is limited. Thus, the amino acids have to compete for entry.
In order to stay in balance, it is important to eat a balanced diet. This gives us the greatest chance of being sufficiently supplied with nutrients and of transmitting the most important signals to the brain.
That's why with pasta also comes mood swings
Do you know why we feel tired after pasta? Because this food (unfortunately, unfortunately) is not very rich in nutrients. This disturbs the transmission of information in the brain. This leads to mood swings and lack of concentration in the short term.
In the long term, a nutrient-poor diet causes typical diseases of civilization. These include obesity, diabetes, sleep disorders and high cholesterol. If, on the other hand, we eat a balanced diet rich in protein, our brain is better stimulated.
That's why it releases mood elevators like dopamine, norepinephrine or serotin. And we feel much better and more active. So integrate legumes (very rich in protein!), nuts and seeds as well as sufficient fruit and vegetables into your diet.
Why carbohydrates unjustly have a bad image
This brain is also fascinating. It accounts for only 2% of the body weight, but requires 20% of the total energy. We draw the necessary energy in particular from carbohydrates. Which completely unjustifiably have a rather mediocre image.
Because what low carb diets do not take into account: Carbohydrates help the brain efficiently transform and absorb nutrients. If we take in too few of them, the frontal lobe suffers and reduces its mental functions.
This frontal lobe is located in the forehead area. What is the sensitive part responsible for? It controls our attention, helps us make decisions. Helps us to think and to weigh. Not sooooo unimportant. ;)
Treats the body more legumes
Carbohydrates exist in 3 forms: Starch, sugar and fiber. In particular, the ratio of sugar and fiber to the total amount ingested influences how our brain reacts and works.
High-glycemic foods in particular, such as white bread, chocolate, chips or soda pop, cause a rapid release of glucose. This makes us feel fit for a short time before our mood, concentration and energy levels plummet.
The situation is different for grains and legumes. These release glucose less quickly, which is why blood sugar levels remain relatively constant. This ensures that we can concentrate better and have high brain power in the long term.
What is the ideal diet
Our brain loves a regular and constant intake of micronutrients. These include vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, as well as folic acid. Without these nutrients, we would be susceptible to brain diseases as well as mental disorders.
In addition, trace elements such as iron, zinc, copper and sodium. They are fundamentally important for our mental health as well as the (early) cognitive development of our brain.
In addition, fruits and vegetables are part of a balanced diet. The antioxidants they contain strengthen the cells, which are otherwise more easily attacked by free radicals and can trigger serious illnesses such as cancer.
Our conclusion:
Food not only influences our figure or how strongly our stomach rebels. Our brain also depends on high-quality nutrients. For us to be really fit and efficient, it is important to eat a balanced diet. This includes healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes. So in short: How does food influence our brain? Much stronger than you would think at first!
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