Food determines mental well-being and influences our cognitive performance therefore in this post we will see what must be taken into account.
Depression affects more than 300 million people, a condition that, according to the World Health Organization, ranks fourth in terms of disability globally. The prevalence of this disease is increasing, affecting approximately 7% of women and 4% of men.
Systematic analyzes and the combination of data from multiple studies indicate that following a proper diet can be an effective strategy to avoid mental health disorders and improve cognitive performance.
We tell you, as sports nutritionists, what you can do to improve your performance based on what you eat.
Surely you have heard many times that neurons cannot regenerate.
Here’s some good news: our lifestyle, which includes diet, exercise and stress, plays a fundamental role in the generation of new brain cells in other words, neurogenesis, or creation of neurons, if possible.
The hippocampus, a region related to memory and learning, is one of the areas where this occurs. The hypothalamus, which regulates the feeling of hunger, is also involved in this process.
The production of neurons depends on different types of cells and chemical signals in the brain. Poor regulation in these processes can lead to obesity and diabetes. Therefore, neurogenesis may be a protective factor against these conditions.
Our lifestyle, including the way we eat, exercise and manage stress, can influence the generation of new brain cells. This means that we can modify our lifestyle to promote this process of neuron creation
Negative foods for cognitive performance
There are many studies that point to overeating, obesity, excessive consumption of unhealthy fats or a diet with low nutritional density can trigger an inflammatory response. This inflammatory response affects both the circulating elements that control the feeling of satiety and the brain structures involved in cognition and emotions.
Foods that negatively impact cognitive performance
Positive foods for cognitive performance
Now it’s time to talk about the positive part of this topic. We found many nutrients or bioactive compounds that can positively impact our brain capacity. This is due to the anti-inflammatory effect of these foods, as well as their protective function against neurotoxins. What are the most beneficial nutrients?
In what foods do we find these nutrients?
The good news is that there are many foods that benefit cognitive performance.
Look!
In short, there is no food or nutrient that will directly improve our cognitive performance. It will be the lifestyle and following a well-planned diet that will allow us to achieve benefits in this sense.
