Brain Health - How Can We Develop It?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is found to be effective in reducing the risk of Alzheimer s disease. It also helps with its treatment. Turmeric contains curcuminoids, which enhance the bioavailability of DHA, an essential fatty acid for maintaining brain health.

Brain stimulating activities such as mental gymnastics, word puzzles, quizzes, and mathematics problems help build up the brain. Activities such as drawing, painting, and craft which require manual dexterity also improve brain health. Physical exercise, especially aerobics, makes the brain more efficient. Physical exercise reduces mental stress by supplying oxygen-rich blood to the area in the brain responsible for the thought process. Mediterranean diet (high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains but low in red meat) is thought to be associated with increased memory power.

Ginkgo biloba is used as a dietary supplement for enhancing memory. It is believed that the maidenhair tree helps in reducing oxidative damage to the brain cells.

Free radicals can damage the brain by their oxidation effect. Therefore a diet rich in antioxidants helps in reducing the risk of harmful effects produced by free radicals on the brain. Vitamin C and vitamin E are rich sources of antioxidants. Vitamin E is found in milk, egg yolks, grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, broccoli, cabbage, strawberries, tomatoes, sprouts, potatoes, and peppers. Vitamin B-3, B-6, and B-12 also help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer s disease. They help in lowering homocysteine levels in the body, which are thought to be linked to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer s disease.