Every human body needs to have a balanced diet. This effectively refers to a diet which has the optimum required quantity of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. But there are times when just having a balanced diet is not enough to enable a person to develop specific skills like brainpower. In such instances, they need to have what is effectively called brain food.

It is a fact that while the brain is able to manufacture most of the 45 nutrients that it needs, anything that it is unable to make, it imports. The brain is also the seat of cognitive power and hence the health of the brain plays an important role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia etc.  Thus it becomes imperative to ensure that the brain stays healthy.

In order to ensure selective passage of only the required nutrients, the brain has something called the blood-brain barrier which functions as the gates. These gates are extremely selective in what they allow to pass through them. Of all the foods that have gained free passageway through this barrier, there are 7 important brain food which stands out in their ability to improve brain health. They are:

• Fatty fish: Super rich in omega-3 fatty fish like salmon, anchovies, sardines etc., should essentially be included in the diet. They supply the much needed DHA and EPA; two forms of omega-3 that have been known to boost cognition skills and memory. On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 are a boon to people with ADHD.

• Complex carbohydrates: These are considered to be the main source of energy for the brain. The brain needs the energy to function properly and this is made possible by the breakdown of glucose which is further utilised by the neurons. However, there are times when the brain is not able to use glucose effective and in such instances, axona medical food helps to fulfil the need by supplying the brain with an alternate source of energy in the form of ketone bodies.

• Cacao: This is another food which helps in controlling the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Cacao, present mostly in chocolates, contains theobromine which is a very powerful antioxidant. This helps to reduce heart-related risks and incidences of insulin resistance thereby enabling the brain to get its quota of energy.

• Dark leafy greens: Rich in Vitamin E, green vegetables like spinach, kale etc., help to improve mitochondrial function thereby aiding the release of energy. It also helps in improving neurological functions thereby ensuring a healthy nervous system.

• Berries: They are an excellent source of glucose, fibre and antioxidants. They also have quite a low glycemic index thereby enabling them to regulate the sugar levels present in the blood. Thus they enable the brain to retain memory even as one age or is afflicted with neurodegenerative diseases.

However, in some instances wherein the onset of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s etc., has already occurred, these natural foods might not be enough to ensure a healthy brain. The intake of certain medical foods like the axona medical food helps to cover up for the shortage of energy faced by the brain by supplying an alternate source of the same.