How food affects our Brain?

The connection between diet and the emotions stems from a close relationship between our brain and our gastrointestinal tract which is often called as the “second brain.”

Eating healthy food promotes the growth of “good” bacteria, which in turns positively affects the neurotransmitter production. A steady diet of some junk food can cause inflammation that hampers the production. When neurotransmitter production is in good shape, your brain receives these certain positive messages loud and clear, and your emotions will reflect it. But when the production goes awry, so might your mood.

Sugar and processed foods can also leads to the inflammation throughout the body and brain, which may result to mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. In order to boost your mental health it is considered important to focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables along with the foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. Dark green leafy vegetables in particular are the brain protective. Nuts, seeds and legumes, such as beans and lentils, are also the excellent brain foods.

Here are the top three foods to incorporate into a healthy mental diet:

Complex carbohydrates — such as brown rice and starchy vegetables can give us more energy. Quinoa, beets, millet and sweet potatoes have more nutritional value and will also keep you satisfied longer than the simple carbohydrates found in sugar and candy.

Lean proteins — also lend energy that allows our body to think and react quickly. Good sources of protein that includes chicken, meat, fish, eggs, soybeans, nuts and seeds.

Fatty acids — are crucial for the proper function of our brain and nervous system. We can find them in fish, meat, eggs, nuts and flaxseeds.