The brain is resilient and can recover and heal when given the right support. So, what is one thing you can do on a daily basis to support your brain health? Eat healthy fats.
Fats freak a lot of people out but trust us healthy fats won’t make you fat. Why? Because 60% of your brain is made up of DHA, an omega-3 fat found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and algae. EPA is another important type of omega-3, and both of these fatty acids are critical for supporting brain function and mood, regulating metabolism, and preventing diabetes and inflammation. Your body needs fat to thrive!
What’s the recipe to optimize your healthy fat intake?
- Avoid omega-6-rich vegetable oils. Avoid oils such as sunflower, corn, soybean, peanut and cottonseed oil.
- Eat animal foods high omega-3s, especially seafood. Currently, the best dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids is from fish oils and fish. Choose the SMASH fish (salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring.
- Eat nuts and seeds. Walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, etc. provide the body with a third type of omega-3 fat, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is also an essential fat and is used for energy.
- Eat your veggies. Along with nuts and seeds, there are several plant sources of ALA. Such vegetables include some leafy greens like spinach and arugula, sprouted radishes, and cruciferous vegetables like brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.