The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. Everything we do consciously and subconsciously comes from the powerhouse that sits in our skulls. It is necessary that we treat our brains the best we can. What’s one way to do that? Switch to a plant-based diet!

How Non-Plant-Based Diets Affect Us

Foods like dairy products, meat, and fried foods contain saturated fat and trans fat. These types of fat can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive conditions. These foods damage our brains, so we need to find a way to fix them.

Also, diets that have high refined sugars are harmful to the brain. It worsens the body’s regulation of insulin, promotes inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function. They have even found a worsening of symptoms of mood disorders, like depression.

How Can a Plant-Based Diet Help?

Switching to a plant-based diet has been proven to boost brain health. A plant-based diet is defined as consisting of all minimally processed fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, herbs, and spices. It also excludes all animal products, including red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

All of these factors mean that a plant-based diet is rich in antioxidants, folate, and vitamin E, which provide a protective effect against Alzheimer’s.

In addition to these protective effects, a plant-based diet dramatically reduces inflammation. The abundance of antioxidants in this diet has been found to help repair damaged cells and can even help balance neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the body’s chemical messengers; they essentially tell our bodies what to do and when so having these balanced makes for optimal brain function.

A plant-based diet also contains phytochemicals, omega-3 fatty acids, and tryptophan.

Phytochemicals can only come from plants. They help fight against pathogens to keep your brain as healthy as can be.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in nuts and seeds, and they are needed to function. Also, people whose diets are high in these acids have been found to have lower levels of depression.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that creates niacin, which is essential in creating the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin reduces depression and anxiety. This amino acid can be found in foods like leafy greens and pumpkin seeds.

Best Foods for Helping Your Brain

Although having a plant-based diet already helps your brain immensely, here are some foods you should stock up on for optimal brain function:

● Nuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews

● Blueberries

● Chia

● Flax seeds

● Avocado

● Dark leafy greens

● Pumpkin seeds

● Peas

So stick to a plant-based diet. Your brain will thank you!