BRAIN FOOD & FOLIC ACID-BRAIN NUTRIENT

In a recent issue of the Journal Nature Reviews Neuroscience, UCLA professor of Neurosurgey and Physiological Science Fernando Gomez-Pinilla summarized the latest findings concerning the effects of various foods on the brain. In an analysis of over 160 studies, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, and ALA ) emerged as significant dietary compounds to enhance learning and memory and prevent mental disorders. Another important brain nutrient is the B vitamin Folic Acid has been linked with depression and cognitive impairment and supplementation with the vitamin has been demonstrated to be helpful in the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia.
Understanding the molecular basis of the effects of food on cognition will help us to determine how best to manipulate the diet in order to increase the resistance of neurons to insults and promote mental fitness." Dr. Gomez -Pinilla concluded.

Source Material, Gomez- Pinilla F. Brain Foods: the Effects of Nutrients on Brain function. NAT REV NEUROSCI 2008 JULY; 9 (7) : 568-78.