We hear all about these ‘superfoods’ that make you healthier, but I’ve also heard that some foods are good for the brain. Is it true that what you eat can enhance your mental prowess?
Mat Windward, by email
Good news: yes! The two most important dietary components for boosting mental power are water and long-chain omega 3 fats. Being dehydrated can severely interfere with the ability to concentrate and carry out cognitive tasks, which may sound familiar to anyone who suffers from regular hangovers.
Recent research also shows there is some truth in the old wives’ tale that eating fish makes you cleverer. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a form of omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish, makes up a large portion of the grey matter of the brain. The fat in your brain forms cell membranes and plays a vital role in how our cells function. Research in the past few years has shown that diets rich in omega 3 fatty acids may help promote a healthy emotional balance and positive mood in later years, possibly because DHA is a main component of the brain’s synapses.
Just bear in mind that, while some foods can enhance your mental capacity, you won’t suddenly wake up a genius. Unless you’re one already.
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