A Harvard nutritionist says that she is frequently asked what the best vitamin is to keep the brain young and protect it from neurological diseases that can occur with aging.
Uma Naidoo revealed to CNBC which foods she eats every day are the right vitamins for brain health.
The nutritionist says the most important is the B vitamin complex.
Depression, dementia and other brain-related problems are often associated with a deficiency of B vitamins.
“A B12 vitamin deficiency as a cause of cognitive issues is more common than we think, especially among the elderly who live alone and don’t eat properly,” according to psychiatrist Rajaprabhakaran Rajarethinam.
There are eight different B vitamins, each with its own health benefits:
Vitamin B1 is crucial for the basic function of our cells and for metabolizing nutrients for energy. Vitamin B2 helps cells grow, produce energy and break down fat. Vitamin B3 is an antioxidant that helps reduce excess inflammation.
Vitamin B5 is essential for the production of a molecular compound called coenzyme A, which helps our body’s enzymes break down fatty acids for energy. This vitamin is also among the most important vitamins in supporting brain health.
Vitamin B6 is notable for its role in disease prevention, as adequate levels of this vitamin are associated with a lower risk of developing cancer. B6 helps many chemical reactions in the body that support immune function and brain health.
Vitamin B7 regulates cellular circuitry for fast and efficient communication throughout the body. B9 is a key vitamin for supporting brain and neurological health, as well as supporting cellular detoxification.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of red blood cells and DNA, as well as supporting the development and function of the nervous system.
The nutritionist points out that B vitamins are among the easiest to incorporate into the diet, as foods rich in this vitamin usually contain them all. Uma Naidoo reveals that the daily diet should contain eggs, yoghurt, salmon, sunflower seeds, lentils, beans, spinach or cabbage.