These 4 Nutrients Keep Your Brain in Tiptop Shape

The brain has been called the body’s “command center,” so it’s only natural that ensuring optimal health also means keeping this vital organ in top shape. Making these four nutrients a part of your daily intake is a significant step towards keeping the brain healthy . Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 Your brain can lose its volume as you age. This process is aptly called brain shrinkage. Not only does it result in impaired cognition and movement, but it also increases your risk of stroke and dying an early death by 96 and 58 percent respectively. Heart disease is one of the factors that contribute to brain shrinkage. This was confirmed by a study which found that people with coronary heart disease have noticeably reduced amounts of brain matter. Predictably, they also performed poorly in cognitive tests. The amino acid homocysteine has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension and heart disease . Apart from contributing to the formation of arterial plaque that characterizes coronary heart disease, high levels of it harm the endothelium or the inner lining of the blood vessels. Vitamins B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin) neutralize the effects of homocysteine, contribute to heart health, and help prevent brain shrinkage. While all three B-vitamins are available in most B-complex supplements, it’s possible to obtain them from food sources: Pyridoxine, which contributes to the production of neurotransmitters, is found in brown rice, lentils, meat, fish, and dairy products. Folate, which stimulates brain development and slows down atrophy, is abundant in leafy greens, fruits, and organ meats. Cobalamin, which helps metabolize fatty acids needed by the brain, is found in fish, meat, and dairy products. Healthy fats Fats have a bad reputation because of the role that cholesterol plays in the development of coronary heart disease. […]

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