As the new year rolls in, many of us are turning our attention to our health and wellbeing.
And, if you’re on the hunt for a way to keep your brain sharp this year, you might want to consider adding a certain food to your diet. According to a popular neuroscientist, incorporating one simple “superfood” into your meals could significantly enhance your brain function.
In a frank TikTok video, Robert Love revealed that this could be the “most important superfood” for boosting your brain’s health.
He said: “So, you want to make sure you’re eating plenty of probiotic food. So coconut yoghurt, you don’t want dairy, low in sugar, or with no added sugar. You can do sauerkraut, you can do kimchi, but eat lots of healthy fermented foods that are low in sugar – that’s really good for your gut, and what’s good for your gut is good for your brain.”
In his video, Robert holds a jar of Sauerkraut, which is a fermented raw cabbage dish, explaining why it’s believed to be beneficial for the brain. It contains tryptophan, an amino acid that aids in the production of serotonin, which regulates mood.
Additionally, it promotes healthy gut flora, which can enhance the absorption of minerals that also aid mood. Moreover, it can aid in stress reduction and heart health improvement.
This is due to the fibre in sauerkraut assisting in the removal of cholesterol from arteries and blood vessels. Other fermented foods such as kimchi, kefir, miso, tempeh and yoghurt are also said to be beneficial for your brain.
After Robert posted the video, it received a lot of feedback. One viewer found the information “very useful”, while others expressed their appreciation for the advice.
How can we improve brain health?
As we age, changes in our bodies and brains are inevitable. However, there are measures that can be taken to slow memory decline and reduce the risk of dementia.
While these changes cannot be completely prevented, the Mayo Clinic suggests simple steps to maintain brain health. They include:
- Having regular exercise
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Follow a healthy diet, Mediterranean is recommended
- Stay mentally active by reading, doing puzzles or indulging in hobbies
- Ensure you stay social and connect with people
- Keep your blood vessels healthy – get checked regularly to ensure blood pressure and sugar levels are within the normal range