From breastfeeding to old age, healthy eating is directly linked to brain health and cognitive performance.
It is no news that good nutrition is important for the health of the whole body, especially the brain. In fact, from an early age, nutrition plays an important role in cognitive performance, which is maintained throughout life. As an infant, for example, it’s important to maintain breastfeeding for brain development.
Soon after, it is important to encourage healthy eating practices to prevent childhood obesity. And, in adult life, physical activity can promote independence and cognitive performance in the elderly, which can also be developed through diet. At all stages of life, the goal is to increase well-being and prevent various diseases.
“According to the Pan American Health Organization, a healthy diet is important to prevent malnutrition and chronic noncommunicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer,” highlights a study by postdoctoral neuroscientist Fabiano de Abreu Agrela , in collaboration with Patrícia Rosany de Sales Santiago, Master’s student in Neuroscience at Logos University International (Unilogos).
nutrition and health
The study also highlights that the practice of healthy eating should begin early in life, such as through breastfeeding, which aids in growth and cognitive development. Furthermore, the publication indicates which aspects to take into consideration to improve the diet:
- Keep calorie intake in balance with calorie expenditure;
- Don’t let fat make up more than 30% of your total calorie intake (saturated fat should make up less than 10% and trans fat less than 1%);
- Limit your daily salt intake should be limited to 5 g or less;
- Limit your consumption of free sugars to less than 10% of your total calorie intake.
In addition to diet, the study also found that high levels of physical activity are associated with high functional independence and good cognitive performance.
The publication also points out that the preference for healthy foods in children is linked to the role of parents and schools in encouraging healthy eating practices. For a balanced diet, it is important to consume foods with a low glycemic index and avoid processed foods, sugars and fried foods. “Different perspectives propose solutions for the prevention of childhood obesity and unhealthy ageing,” say the researchers.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
