Conditions like depression and dementia are often linked to vitamin B deficiency.
The brain is one of the most important organs in our body, and what we eat can have a significant impact on its health and function. It’s no secret that our diet can help us with this. Choosing good foods can protect the brain from degenerative diseases and improve mood. Some foods, like sunflower seeds and whole grains, have greater benefits for the brain than others.
However, for one group of foods, experts, including Harvard nutritionist and neurologist Dr. Uma Najdo, provide a significant advantage when it comes to brain health. It’s green leafy vegetables.
Three reasons to choose
Types of green leafy vegetables that you can add to your menu are: kale, spinach, lettuce, cabbage, Swiss chard, collard greens… And these are three reasons why, according to experts, a diet rich in green leafy vegetables is good for your brain.
They are rich in vitamin B
Conditions like depression and dementia are often linked to vitamin B deficiency, according to a study conducted at Wayne State University School of Medicine.
Green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin B. The vitamin known as folate is key to supporting brain and neurological health, optimal neurotransmitter function, and balanced psychological health,” says Dr. Najdo. Leafy greens are the first and foremost food the doctor recommends to her patients who want to improve their mood.
Rich in brain-boosting nutrients
Leafy greens are packed with brain-boosting nutrients, such as folate, lutein, and beta-carotene. Lutein has been linked to improved brain function and structure in older adults, and one systematic review found that taking beta-carotene supplements may improve verbal and cognitive memory.
Excellent source of fiber
Increased dietary fiber intake is associated with a lower risk of developing depression, according to research published in 2021 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
Dr. Najdo recommends increasing your fiber intake through your diet, especially by plant-based diet. And green leafy vegetables are packed with fiber.
