Polyphenols and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Contribute to Building New Brain Cells
A diet containing high levels of polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids has been found not only to aid in building new brain cells, but also to prevent deterioration of brain cells already in existence.
The study comes from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), in which mice were fed a diet rich in polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids over a period of forty days.
The results of the study highlight how a diet rich in polyphenols and polyunsatured fatty acids can actually prevent neural death, and strengthen neural networks.
This information is particularly useful to those suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Since Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease, a diet high in polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids may be extremely beneficial. The regenerative properties of such a diet could act as a natural aid in the fight against cellular degeneration.
The olfactory bulb and the hippocampus are the two areas of the brain in which neurogenesis occur. The study found that the mice that were given a diet high in polyphenols and polyunsaturated fats had a much higher rate of cell creation in these areas than the mice that were not.
According to the study, these findings show that such a diet could indeed delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. It is possible that the diet could even determine the severity of Alzheimer’s.
To ensure you are getting enough polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids in your diet, try adding a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables to your dietary regiment. Another popular choice is the supplementation of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is in many essential fatty acid supplements.
DHA is typically in fish oil supplements, which usually contain other beneficial ingredients such as EFA (eicosapentaenoic acid), another omega-3 fatty acid. Thanks to the demand for such great natural supplements, purified fish oil can now be purchased for a reasonable price.
The findings of this study help establish the effectiveness of natural health alternatives in addition to a properly constructed diet. Those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases now have other options when it comes to treating, or possibly halting, their conditions.
In addition to a healthier lifestyle, a diet rich in polyphenols and polyunsaturated fats is a step in the right direction when it comes to reaching your health goals.
