Research has discovered that when supplied with the right nutrients, supplements, food, and overall diet, your brain can literally regrow itself from inside out! This process is known as neurogenesis.
Neurogenesis is the process in which new neurons are produced. This process is most active in baby’s growing inside the womb. The development of new neurons continues during adulthood in two regions of the brain. Neurogenesis takes place in the subventricular zone (SVZ) that forms the lining of the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone that forms part of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus area. The SVZ is the site where neuroblasts are formed, which migrate via the rostral migratory stream to the olfactory bulb. Many of these neuroblasts die shortly after they are generated. However, some go on to be functional in the tissue of the brain.
It is said that neurogenesis can be produced by a certain diet. The rapid production of neurons can lead to a healthier lifestyle. It can ward off depression, anxiety, and even stress. Research shows that high rates of neurogenesis are related to higher cognitive function, better memory and faster learning, emotional vitality and resilience, and elevated immunity. Who wouldn’t want these things for themselves? It dramatically improves everyday life.
The diet to increase neurogenesis consists of items that are available in extracts, making it much more practical and economical to incorporate into your diet. For example, a daily diet that consists of fresh blueberries can be pricey, but two capsules of blueberry extract can be much more affordable. Many of the food and nutrients in the diet may be taken several times a day, or weekly. With some of them, taking the correct amount is crucial. Taking too much could have the opposite reaction were trying to achieve on the brain. The four most productive food of the diet are blueberries, omega-3’s, green tea, and Curcumin.
- Blueberries – Blueberries act in so many ways to promote neurogenesis and protect the brain from cognitive decline that if blueberries were a drug, pharmaceutical companies would be bombarding us with ads to entice us to upgrade our brain with this neurogenesis supplement “miracle drug.” Blueberries are packed full of polyphenols, especially flavonoids called anthocyanins that stimulate neurogenesis through your diet. Blueberries have been proven to reduce or slow down the effects of dementia and alzheimers. Humans with cognitive decline show improvement after consuming blueberries each day.
- Omega-3’s – Omega 3’s can be found in a variety of fish such as black cod, sockeye salmon, sablefish, or Alaskan salmon. Neuroscience researcher Sandrine Thuret, Ph.D., of London’s King’s College, reported a 40% increase in neurogenesis by adding omega-3’s in Science Daily in 2007. Other studies on the neurogenesis diet have shown equally impressive gains in neurogenesis, elevated BDNF levels, increased in brain size, and neuroprotective benefits from omega-3 supplements.
- Green Tea – Green tea contains polyphenols, the most powerful of which is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin. Green tea’s polyphenols have been shown to increase neurogenesis, BDNF levels, and to have strong health benefits ranging from cancer prevention to fat loss, plus cardiovascular benefits, immunity improvement, and glucose reduction. 30-33 ECGC and green tea’s other polyphenols not only increase neurogenesis but, like blueberries and
- Curcumin – Curcumin is the bright yellow powder like substance that is produced by some plants. It is a member of the ginger family and is sold as an herbal supplement, cosmetic ingredient, food flavoring, and food coloring. People who consume curcumin show better cognitive performance. It reduces beta-amyloid and plaque formation in aging humans and has high potential as part of an anti-Alzheimer’s strategy through neurogenesis diet.