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Brain on Nutrition
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The Brain on Nutrition
While most organs and tissues in our body are able to burn either sugar or fat for fuel, the brain, under non fasting conditions, only burns glucose. The brain does not store glucose(sugar) in its cells; and it cannot borrow energy from other areas of the body.
Therefore, it must get its' glucose from the blood that circulates through our brain every second of our lives.
This little 3 pound powepack weighs less than 2% of our total body weight; yet it regulates breathing, heartbeat, hormone balance, body temperature; and is responsible for our thoughts, behavior, sensation, and a lifetime of dreams and memories.
Ten billion neurons(brain cells) need to be fed constantly. Just like our body, they require vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, and oxygen.
This is, in fact so important, that if blood flow to the brain is interrupted for 20 seconds, unconscoiusness results; and if deprived of blood or oxygen for 7- 10 minutes, it dies.
Our brain cells use 50% of all glucose in the bloodstream to supply its fuel, and 20% of all oxygen.
Each brain cell contain mitochondria. These structures burn the fuel received from the bloodstream (glucose), and generate ATP energy; aka adenosine triphosphate.
These in turn, supply energy for the brain neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters are the chemical language of the brain and they transport protein throughout brain cells, and perform other specific brain processes including rebuilding worn out cell membranes.
Neurotransmitters also determine our mental and emotional well being. Eating a diet that is brain friendly can enhance mood, memory, and behavior.
The best nutrition for the brain is complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, beans,nuts, seeds, peas. Simple sugars like candy, pastries, sugary soda, cause the hormone insulin to be released into the blood stream; and with that, the brain gets less than the optimal nutrition it needs.
Eating a diet rich in complex carbs, as well as the recommended food groups will keep both our brain and body healthier.
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