Can you eat and exercise your way to a smart brain? Don’t miss the results of promising new research!

Brain boosting foods: A slew of research in experimental animal models as well as human beings demonstrates that certain dietary components may actually  impact brain function and cognitive ability, opening up novel and exciting approaches to manipulate one’s diet to enhance memory and cognitive function (1).

While numerous studies have linked a typical Western diet high in saturated fats, trans fats and refined sugars with compromised cognitive function, Alzheimer’s disease (2), and other neuro-degenerative conditions (3), diets high in omega 3- fatty acids (4), curcumin or turmeric (5), and flavonoids (a class of anti-oxidants) (6), are known to have the opposite effect.

There is also some emerging research that shows Vitamin E, a fat soluble vitamin (7), and exercise (8), may also play a beneficial role in this process.

The superstar, BDNF: In this context, an important molecule called BDNF, or brain derived neurotrophic factor, a neurotrophin (signals neurons or nerve cells to survive, and grow), has been receiving attention as it plays the lead role in neuronal plasticity.

What is neuronal plasticity? (Think increased flexibility or pliability of the nerve cells in the brain). Neuronal plasticity could be defined as the ability of the neurons (nerve cells in the brain) to respond with adaptive changes to internal and external conditions. The process by which our experiences can reorganize neural pathways in our brain is called neuroplasticity. For example, sustained changes occur in the brain when we learn something new, or the  brain may reorganize in response to injury, disease or environmental changes.

BDNF is most abundant in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, that is involved with memory and spatial orientation.

Plant oils and nuts contain the potent antioxidant Vitamin E with smaller amounts from leafy greens.Copyright © 2015 Sangeeta Pradhan

Dietary components that raise BDNF are, therefore not surprisingly associated with enhanced cognitive ability and vice versa.

Rejuvenate with Vitamin E: In a 2002 study by Moteni and Barnard, a two month exposure to a high fat diet  reduced hippocampal levels of BDNF and impaired spatial learning performance in rats (9), however in other experimental studies in which rats on a high fat diet were supplemented with Vitamin E, this antioxidant significantly reduced free radical damage caused by consumption of the high fat  diet and actually reversed the diet impaired cognitive function (7). Plant foods, especially plant oils, wheat germ and nuts  are the primary source of vitamin E in the diet, with smaller amounts in leafy vegetables and some fruits.  

Wild salmon: a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Smarten up with omega-3s: Another key player that has emerged in this context is DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid. The omega-3 fatty acids are key components of cell membranes and are essential for normal brain function. DHA is  the most abundant fatty acid in the brain and its levels may be altered by the mix of fatty acids  consumed as well as with life stage, increasing during  developmental stages  and decreasing with aging (10). Dietary sources of DHA are fatty fish ( this is the most efficient way of assimilation) or via its precursor alpha linolenic acid, or ALA.  ALA can be obtained from flax-seed, nuts such as walnuts, canola and soybean oils. However, very little ALA converts to DHA, and conversion is impacted by enzyme competition, and diet and health status, so your best bet for getting DHA is to get it directly from fatty fish consumption. Note that your body cannot make DHA, so you must get it from food alone.

Recent studies have shown DHA’s  ability to reduce oxidative stress, protecting against free radical damage in both developing, and adult brains, thus underscoring it’s role throughout the lifespan (10). A few studies have linked a deficiency of dietary omega-3 fatty acids, with increased risk of mental illness such as schizophrenia (11), in human beings.

DHA supplementation has been shown to counteract compromised neuronal plasticity, normalize levels of BDNF, and reduce oxidative stress following traumatic brain injury in rats (4). Interestingly,  the combination of DHA and exercise raises BDNF to a much greater than extent than either factor alone (8), underscoring the synergistic effect accomplished by these two factors.

Arm with antioxidants: Similarly, a 2007 study on plant derived flavonoids along with exercise, showed that the hippocampus is particularly sensitive to the effects of flavonoids, and there is an up-regulation or increased expression of genes that are associated with learning and synaptic plasticity, and a down regulation of those associated with inflammation, and learning deficits, once again highlighting the synergistic effect of an active lifestyle and antioxidants (6). The principal sources of flavonoids come from bright-colored fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, grapes and in beverages such as tea, wine and cocoa (6). In human beings, the consumption of flavonoid-rich foods, such as berries and cocoa, throughout life holds the potential to prevent or reverse normal or abnormal deterioration in cognitive performance (12).

Dark chocolate and beverages such as red wine and cocoa contain flavonoids which are important phytonutrients. Copyright © 2015, Sangeeta Pradhan, RD, LDN, CDE.

Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Copyright, 2015, Sangeeta Pradhan, RD, LDN, CDE.

Also, some studies show that excess calorie consumption may create free radical damage, which reduces BDNF, while moderate calorie restriction may increase BDNF and improve neuronal plasticity (13).

Turmeric, an ancient spice from India has potent antioxidant properties

Sharpen your brain with turmeric: Finally, turmeric or curcumin, a common spice used in Indian curries has emerged as a potent antioxidant and anti inflammatory agent that reduces memory deficits in Alzheimer’s (14). Supplementation of curcumin in the diet dramatically reduced oxidative damage, normalized levels of BDNF, and offset cognitive impairment caused by brain trauma (5). It holds promise as an agent for preventing Alzheimer’s. While both these studies were in rats, a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study in 60 healthy adults investigating curcumin’s effects on cognition and mood, also showed promising results (15).

In conclusion, while many dietary components can profoundly impact brain function, it is important to avoid focusing on isolated nutrients alone. The key would be to focus on whole dietary patterns instead, and to incorporate exercise concomitantly with one’s diet to harness the synergistic benefits.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or registered dietitian for recommendations tailored for your unique needs.