Dietary Basics Help Build New Brain Cells

A diet high in polyphenols antioxidant shown to affect cell-to-cell signaling, receptor sensitivity, inflammatory enzyme activity or gene regulation. Found in many different fruits, vegetables, red wine, grains, honey, and legumes.¹ and polyunsaturated fatty acids is shown to help stimulate the production of new brain cells (brain stem cells) and reduce the deterioration of existing brain cells.  The forty-day experimental diet with mice (equivalent of 5 years human time) enabled the researchers to analyze specific regions in the brain associated with stem cell formation. 

The researchers state their results show that such a diet is capable of inducing the generation of new cells in the adult brain, and of strengthening the neural networks which become affected with age and in neurogenerative processes such as Alzheimer’s disease, as well as protecting neurons from oxidative and neural damage, two phenomena which occur at the origin of many diseases affecting the central nervous system.

Polyphenols are common components of fruits and vegetables.  The best known and studied polyphenols antioxidant shown to affect cell-to-cell signaling, receptor sensitivity, inflammatory enzyme activity or gene regulation. Found in many different fruits, vegetables, red wine, grains, honey, and legumes. are flavonoids Plant compound that is associated with pigmentation. Flavonoids have been shown to modify allergens, viruses, inflammation, and various carcinogens. Found in green tea, citrus, berries, onions, parsley, red wine, dark chocolate, and others., such as grape seed extract, green tea, resveratrol Natural phenol or type of antioxidant found in red grapes, red wine. Research has shown beneficial effects as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents along with supporting healthy blood sugar and cardiovasculature function., and quercetin.  DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement. is the polyunsaturated fatty acid with the most science supporting brain health.

This study shows that having dietary basics in place, which includes fresh fruit, vegetables, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, has a positive influence on the generation of new brain cells.  Conversely, diets lacking these basic supplements such as diets high in refined and packaged foods, fail to enhance brain health.