A medical researcher stressed how a healthy diet and a combination of mental and physical activity can boost brain functions and slow down the aging process. Dr Sahar El Uqbi, a professor of biochemistry and a nutritionist at the National Research Center in Cairo, said research indicates that people who play sport are more likely to resist weaknesses in brain functionality, such as memory loss resulting from Alzheimer s disease. "We also shouldn't ignore the major factor: a healthy diet, she added. "The nervous system consists of millions of cells that reinforce concentration, mood, memory and the ability to absorb [information]. Those cells function with the help of nervous transmitters comprised of chemicals that are dramatically affected by the kind of food we eat. "For example, the transmitter called 'serotonin,' which is associated with mood and active memory, can be stimulated by doses of an amino-acid known as tryptophan. Besides a good diet, the transmitters are levels of stress, too much of which eats into the transmitters' cells, leading to the contraction of hippocampus, a part of our brain associated with memory. Stressing the role of nutrition in maintaining a healthy brain, El Uqbi warned against food products with saturated fats, which are found in many fast foods that are nowadays consumed in big quantities. She said those fats accumulate on brain arteries and, in time, have a negative effect on memory and other brain functions. "Diabetics and people who suffer from high blood pressure are more at risk of deteriorating mental abilities, she added. "Vegetables and fruits have antioxidants that protect brain cells, especially products containing potassium like bananas and tomatoes. Potassium protects blood vessels and enhances blood circulation. "Also, several types of fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines as well as oils from fish and olives are vital for the brain, she explained. "Egg yolk is rich in a substance that is beneficial to Alzheimer patients, but because it is rich in cholesterol, two eggs a week is the ideal amount. "Yeast, as well as fresh herbs such as watercress, parsley and lettuce are recommended because they are rich in folic acid. El Uqbi also underlined the importance of vitamins B6, B12, B1 and H in keeping brain cells healthy. A nutritious diet, physical activity, low stress levels and reading regularly or practicing any other mental activity is the way to a healthy brain, she said.
