Are you feeding your brain the fuel it needs for optimal function?

Considering nearly 60 percent of your brain is made up of fats, it’s imperative that you get the right fats in your diet. We’ve learned in recent years that fatty acids are among the most crucial molecules that determine your brain’s integrity and ability to perform. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are required for maintenance of optimal health. We must eat them since they cannot be synthesized by the body. Clinical observation studies has related imbalanced dietary intake of fatty acids to impaired brain performance and diseases. Beyond their important role in building the brain structure, EFAs, as messengers, are involved in the synthesis and functions of brain neurotransmitters, and in the molecules of the immune system.To give your brain a cognitive boost, aim for more omega 3’ fats from fish or quality fish oil, flax seeds, hemp seeds and walnuts. Your brain will thank by being smarter and happier. This also means NOT feeding your brain the stuff that has been shown to perpetuate a downward spiral in mental function like sugar, junk food, damaged fats, and foods your are sensitive too such as gluten or soy.  

Notes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20329590