We all know how important it is to keep our bodies healthy with exercise and a balanced diet. However, the same goes for our brains. You see, your brain is the master computer that operates the machine that is your body. Naturally, if you want to make sure that the master computer functions appropriately, take into consideration what you fuel it with. Keep in mind that some foods might be good or bad for your brain, but they can be good or bad for your body in the same way.

There is a complex relationship between nutrition and cognitive health. The right diet can improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and even protect us from cognitive decline and associated diseases. For example, research proves that your eating habits can influence the development of Alzheimer’s. But not just Alzheimer’s. In recent years, about 90% of type 2 diabetes, 80% of heart attack cases, and 70% of strokes had to do with poor nutrition.

The sooner you start caring for your brain, the better. After all, your brain is your most valuable asset and the most vulnerable organ in your body regarding poor nutrition. Ideally, it needs over 45 different nutrients, most of which come from various foods. These nutrients are useful in lots of ways. They facilitate cellular reactions, replenish brain storage, and even incorporate themselves into your brain’s tissue. Have you heard the saying “You are what you eat”? Well, that’s definitely true for your brain.

An interesting thing about the brain is that it can’t create and replace its cells. Every other organ in your body can regenerate new cells constantly. Some organs do it faster than others – just think how fast your nails or hair grow. But the sole organ that doesn’t possess this ability is your brain. This means that neurons, your brain cells, cannot be restored or replaced.

So, your brain really depends on good care, specifically when it comes to a well-balanced diet. If you want to keep your mind sharp for years to come, your eating habits shouldn’t be about just soothing your hunger with whatever. Every meal can either be a step towards cognitive health or cognitive decline – it’s your choice.