Video: How the food you eat affects your brain

Did you know that while the human brain only takes up roughly 2{e247ef2f99dfc0bc75e074b1ac933c200478cf8913d2da2bbe9d5daddf1eb195} of our body weight, it uses up around 20{e247ef2f99dfc0bc75e074b1ac933c200478cf8913d2da2bbe9d5daddf1eb195} of our energy intake? We think about how much nutrition our body needs, but do we ever think about how to food we eat affects our brain? In a recent video posted by Ted-Ed, we take a good look at how our body uses different forms of nutrition, and how the specific meal we choose impacts our mental state and mood.

“When it comes to what you bite, chew and swallow, your choices have a direct and long-lasting effect on the most powerful organ in your body: your brain. So which foods cause you to feel so tired after lunch? Or so restless at night? Mia Nacamulli takes you into the brain to find out.” Watch the video below to find out how our diet directly impacts our mood and mindset.

So, our brain uses antioxidants found in healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to protect itself against free radicals that destroy the brain cells. And it’s vitamins such as B6, B12 and folic acid that protect us against threats like brain disease and mental decline, whilst it’s traces of iron, copper, zinc and sodium that are fundamental to overall brain health and early cognitive development.

Our mood is impacted by the kind of carbohydrates we consume and what kind of energy boost they give us: a short and intense burst or a controlled, ongoing release.

• Educator: Mia Nacamulli
• Director: Chris Boyle
• Animator: Chris Boyle

Want a personal nutrition plan?

If you’re interested in keeping your body and brain as healthy and as happy as possible and you’d like a bespoke nutrition plan designed around you and your goals by a professional, talk to the team today at Ollie Lawrence Personal Trainer. Send us message via our contact form or give us a call directly on the number above.