The brain is the most energy-hungry organ in the body. Despite the fact that it weighs just 1.5kg, it steals roughly 25% of the body’s energy requirements. It is therefore dependent on a second-to-second supply of energy, which is only provided by the food we eat. Much like a performance car, the brain functions best when it runs on premium fuel.
When we think of food, we think of it as being enjoyable and providing energy and building blocks for the body. However, research is starting to recognise the important role food and dietary factors play on specific molecular systems and the mechanisms that preserve our mental function. As science has advanced, we’ve been able to identify how food not only influences energy metabolismMetabolism is a term that is used to describe the chemical reactions that take place within the body’s cells. The body gets the energy it…, but also neuroplasticity (i.e. our brain’s ability to change and reorganise itself in response to injury and learning experiences), which is an important factor in the evolution of the modern brain. steals
