{"id":61610,"date":"2019-02-19T14:58:46","date_gmt":"2019-02-19T19:58:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ou.org\/life\/?p=61610"},"modified":"2019-02-21T07:46:25","modified_gmt":"2019-02-21T12:46:25","slug":"taking-care-of-our-brain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ou.org\/life\/health\/taking-care-of-our-brain\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking Care of Our Brains"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">We all know by now the profound impact food consumption has on our health.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>But when we think about food and health, we usually are thinking about our heart and circulatory system.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>We all know that high consumption of healthy options and the reduction of poor quality processed foods can prevent heart disease and even reverse it.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>But what role does our diet play in how <\/span><span class=\"s2\">our <\/span><span class=\"s1\">brain works?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Can a healthy diet help cognitive function<\/span><span class=\"s2\">ing<\/span><span class=\"s1\">, memory and our ability to pay attention?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Research of the last few years says, unequivocally, YES!<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Multiple studies show that there are foods that boost different functions of the brain.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>For instance, drinking green tea appears to be one of the healthiest drinks for enhancing mental processes. According to a study last year by Drs. Dietz and Dekker, <\/span><span class=\"s2\">green tea<\/span><span class=\"s1\"> stimulates memory, focus and concentration.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>It even seems to help reduce stress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Just like with our heart and immune system health, it\u2019s the natural foods seen in traditional, non-western diets that seem to be good for the brain as well.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Nuts, seeds and olive oil are all good.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The main nutrients in these foods, oleic acid and polyphenols are integral to brain and they keep our central nervous system in good working order.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>These foods are all anti-inflammatory and may even help prevent Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Nuts have vitamin E and B6 and are high in fiber.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A study from 2015 showed that those who eat walnuts demonstrated better memory and quicker reaction times than those who avoid walnuts. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Omega 3s fatty acids are important to all aspects of health.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Salmon, mackerel and herring all contain a lot of omega 3s.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This fatty acid activates nerve growth and as we said, it is an anti-inflammatory so is helps suppress inflammation in the nervous system.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This can also be taken by supplement but like any vitamin or supplement, it is best ingested with food.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>For those who don\u2019t want fish, walnuts and flax seed also contain omega 3s and so does olive oil.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Just be careful about overconsuming as some of the<\/span><span class=\"s2\">se<\/span><span class=\"s1\"> foods are very high <\/span><span class=\"s2\">in <\/span><span class=\"s1\">calorie<\/span><span class=\"s2\">s<\/span><span class=\"s1\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">By now this should come as no surprise.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Multiple studies have shown that high consumption of fruits and vegetables are crucial to maintaining a healthy mind and they slow brain aging too.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>As we know, vegetables and fruits reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries) and stroke.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>That in and of itself prevents mental deterioration.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>According to a study done in 2013 by Larsson, Virtamo and Wolk, vegetables improve cognitive functions such as verbal skills in the elderly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The following chart will give you a good idea as to which foods help with different aspects of brain nutrition.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"t1\" style=\"height: 54px;\" width=\"1088\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">Food <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p4\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"s1\">Active Ingredient <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td1\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">Brain Benefits<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table class=\"t1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td2\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p5\"><span class=\"s1\">Oily fish (salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td3\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">omega-3 fatty acids<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td4\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">prevents cognitive decay, decreases inflammation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td2\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Walnuts<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td3\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">omega-3 fatty acids<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td4\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">prevents cognitive decay, decreases inflammation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td5\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Hemp seeds<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td6\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">omega-3 fatty acids<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td7\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">prevents cognitive decay, decreases inflammation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td8\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Olive oil<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td9\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">oleic acid olecanthal (polyphenols)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td10\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">decreases inflammation and<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">decreases amyloid deposits in the brain<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Green leafy vegetables<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">lutein<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">improves verbal skills<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td8\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Spinach<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td9\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">folate and B vitamins<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td10\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">improves mental capacities and memory,<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>reduces inflammation, enhances mental focus<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td2\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Thyme<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td3\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">apigenin<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td4\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">enhances neuron growth in the brain<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Chard<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">betalains<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">protects the brain from degradation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td14\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Broccoli<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td15\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">antioxidants and vitamin K<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td16\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improves memory<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td2\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Cabbage and Brussels sprouts<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td3\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td4\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">protects the brain from degradation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Carrots<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">beta-carotene<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">improves memory<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td17\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Pumpkin seeds<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td18\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">Zinc, magnesium, copper,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">iron<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td19\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\"><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>enhances nerve signaling<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">improves learning abilities and memory, improves regulation of nerve signals&#8211;normalizes cognitive abilities<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td2\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Sunflower seeds<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td3\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">vitamin E<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td4\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">prevents cognitive decline, enhances memory<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td2\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Asparagus<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td3\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">folate<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td4\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">prevents cognitive impairment, may ward off depression<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td5\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Avocado<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td6\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">lutein<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td7\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">improves memory and cognitive skills<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Peppers<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">luteolin<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">reduces inflammation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Beans<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">iron<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">normalizes cognitive abilities<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Lentils<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">folate<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">prevents cognitive impairment<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Black rice<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">anthocyanins<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">slows mental deterioration<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Turmeric\/curry spice<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">curcumin<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">slows cognitive decline<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td14\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Berries <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td15\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">flavonoids<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td16\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">improves long- and short-term memory via activation of blood flow in the brain<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Black currants<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">vitamin C<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">prevents cognitive decline<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Grapes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">resveratrol<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">enhances memory skills<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Oranges<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">vitamin C<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">prevents cognitive decline<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td11\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Tomatoes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td12\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">lycopene and vitamin C<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td13\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">prevents cognitive decline<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td2\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Green tea<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td3\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">caffeine, L-theanine and<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">epigallocatechin gallate<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td4\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">improves cognitive performance<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td20\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Beets and beetroot juice<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td21\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">dietary nitrates and folate<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td22\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">stimulates blood supply in the brain,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p9\"><span class=\"s1\">improves physical and cognitive performance<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td23\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Coffee<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td24\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">caffeine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td25\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">improves cognitive performance<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td26\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Dark chocolate<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td27\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">flavonoids<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td28\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">restricts or prevents age-mediated cognitive<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p9\"><span class=\"s1\">decline and improves blood flow to the brain<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"td2\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p8\"><span class=\"s1\">Eggs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td3\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">vitamins B<\/span><span class=\"s3\"><sub>6<\/sub><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> and B<\/span><span class=\"s3\"><sub>12<\/sub><\/span><span class=\"s1\">, folate,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">and choline<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"td4\" valign=\"top\">\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"s1\">improves memory and cognitive abilities<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">According to Dr. Konstantin Yakimchuk of both Harvard Medical School and Karolinsk in Stockholm, diet can influence brain function and cognitive abilities at any age.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>She also cites studies that various healthy diets, such as the Mediterranean diet can prevent mental decline and dementia and can be protective against Alzheimer\u2019s disease and Parkinson\u2019s disease as well.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>As we know these diets are also protective against stroke and reduce the chances of having one by 46%. Eating any diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and omega-3 foods is also suggested for people suffering from depression.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Evidence exists that depression is associated with inflammation in the nervous system so these type of diets help as they decrease the inflammation and the depressed individual may have some relief of their symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Our food consumption literally effects every major function in our body.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>By understanding how it influences brain health, we can, with Hashem\u2019s help, ward off common diseases that can affect our brain function and keep our heads in good thinking and functioning order.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>We all know that dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s have been increasing. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Death rates from these diseases climbed 55% over the 15 years beginning from 1999.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>But we can take steps to protect our brains just as we do our hearts and by doing so we will <b><i>\u201cadd hours to your day, days to your year and years to your life.\u201d<\/i> <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We all know by now the profound impact food consumption has on our health.\u00a0 But when we think about food and health, we usually are thinking about our heart and circulatory system.\u00a0 We all know that high consumption of healthy options and the reduction of poor quality processed foods can prevent heart disease and even<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":469,"featured_media":61611,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-61610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Taking Care of Our Brains - OU Life<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ou.org\/life\/health\/taking-care-of-our-brain\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Taking Care of Our Brains - OU Life\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We all know by now the profound impact food consumption has on our health.\u00a0 But when we think about food and health, we usually are thinking about our heart and circulatory system.\u00a0 We all know that high consumption of healthy options and the reduction of poor quality processed foods can prevent heart disease and even\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ou.org\/life\/health\/taking-care-of-our-brain\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"OU Life\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-02-19T19:58:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2019-02-21T12:46:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ou.org\/life\/files\/brainhealtnh.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"360\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Alan Freishtat\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Alan Freishtat\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ou.org\/life\/health\/taking-care-of-our-brain\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.ou.org\/life\/health\/taking-care-of-our-brain\/\",\"name\":\"Taking Care of Our Brains - 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