The brain is one of the most important organs in the body, so it is essential to do as much as possible to take care of its health.
According to HealthDigest, you can keep your brain healthy by getting enough sleep, exercise, socializing, and mental stimulation (solving puzzles or reading).
However, diet plays an important role in maintaining brain health, especially eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Dietitian Maggie Moon discovered that there is a great type of protein you can eat for brain health, and that is sardines.
“Sardines are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, the type of fat that the brain prefers and which is essential for healthy brain function,” Moon points out, adding that omega-3 fatty acids clean the communication channels in the brain.
A 3-ounce serving of canned sardines contains 837 milligrams of brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and 21 grams of protein, which helps the brain make neurotransmitters.
As we age, mental function can change as parts of the brain shrink. Communication pathways in the brain can also become less efficient due to reduced blood flow and increased inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids from sardines and other types of seafood can reduce inflammation in the brain, writes “HealthDigest”.
“They help brain cells produce anti-inflammatory compounds that then clean and repair damage caused by daily wear and tear, pollution, disease or other stressors,” explains the dietitian.
She adds that the 325 milligrams of calcium from sardines stimulate neurons in the brain to release neurotransmitters, while iron helps supply the brain with oxygen, reported Index.
“It is recommended to eat seafood, such as sardines, at least once a week as part of the MIND diet, which according to research can slow brain aging by up to 7.5 years and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 53 percent,” she says.
The MIND diet, which is a combination of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, emphasizes certain foods that promote brain health, such as berries, nuts and fish.
