Neuroscientist Shares 3 Foods You Should Be Eating To Grow New Brain Cells & Boost Cognitive Health Over 50 … – SheFinds
As we age, maintaining cognitive health becomes a major priority. The good news is that the food we eat can have a significant impact on our brain’s ability to function well and even grow new brain cells. Neuroscientist and TikToker Dr. Robert Love specializes in helping people prevent Alzheimer’s disease through scientific research and practical dietary advice. In a recent TikTok, he emphasized that “the food you eat provides raw materials to give your brain the material it needs to make new brain cells.” This insight is particularly encouraging, given research from Dr. Elizabeth Gould at Princeton University, which shows that we can grow new brain cells even into our 90s.
Dr. Love highlights the importance of certain foods that are particularly beneficial for cognitive health. By incorporating foods like sardines, sauerkraut, and herring into your diet, you can support brain function, repair damaged cells, and enhance overall cognitive performance. Learn more about their benefits below.
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1. Sardines
Sardines are packed with nutrients essential for brain health. “Sardines are a healthy, fatty fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA,” says Dr. Love. These Omega-3s are crucial because “your brain, outside of water, is made primarily of fat.” Consuming healthy fats like those found in sardines provides the brain with the necessary materials to repair and grow new brain cells. Dr. Love emphasizes the importance of choosing sustainable sardines, which not only support your health but also the environment.
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2. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut might come as a surprise to many, but it offers significant benefits for brain health through the gut-brain connection. “Sauerkraut is great for your brain. It doesn’t necessarily stimulate growth in your brain cells. What it does is put good bacteria into your gut,” explains Dr. Love. The gut and brain are connected through the vagus nerve, forming what is known as the gut-brain connection. “Your gut bacteria really matter to your brain health,” he adds. Incorporating at least a forkful of sauerkraut daily can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn supports cognitive function.
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3. Herring
Another fish that Dr. Love highly recommends is herring. “Herring is one of the healthy fat fish that’s small and low in mercury,” he says. Similar to sardines, herring is rich in healthy fats, providing the raw materials needed to make new brain cells. Herring is not only beneficial for its Omega-3 content but also for being a delicious and versatile addition to your diet.
Ultimately, incorporating these three foods into your diet can significantly impact your brain health and cognitive function, especially as you age. “The food you eat matters,” emphasizes Dr. Love. By providing your brain with the right nutrients, you can support the growth of new brain cells and maintain cognitive health well into your later years.
