Why is there so much fat in the brain? Fats appear to be the enemies of most diets; However, the brain contains fat and needs it to function; it is the most abundant component of the brain (about 60%), along with water, making it the fattest organ in the body. .
Thus, the brain collects much of the fat we eat and, contrary to what one might imagine, does not because it needs energy.
- However.
- When we eat fewer calories we don’t lower the level of fat in the brain.
- Besides.
- Reducing it to a low-fat diet would only affect your vital functions.
- So it’s not right to assume that fat is bad.
- For the brain because it is part of its structure and affects its performance.
First of all, we should clarify that the fat found in the brain is not the same as the fat found in fatty tissues, this type of fat, in addition to isolating the different organs of the body, has an energetic function, however, this is not the case in the brain.
The brain needs fat because it is an excellent electrical insulator, so neurons and different regions of the brain communicate through electrical impulses, without the fat that covers the axons of neurons (called myelin), the impulses that transmit the information would be dispersed and would not reach their destination. In addition, the electricity generated can damage brain tissue by burning it.
In this way, fat absorbs heat, isolates electricity and allows for greater conductance, meaning that the electrical impulse can move faster and more efficiently.
In addition, fat is essential for performing brain tasks as well as for renewing and restoring damaged neurons, so lack of fat causes physical and functional deterioration of the brain, on the other hand, ideal fat levels can prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
There are many foods that contain fats, but not all are good for health or the brain. Of the fats present in the brain, 25% are cholesterol, which is essential for memory and learning. Even brain cells themselves are responsible for cholesterol production.
Among all fats, brain favorites are polyunsaturated fatty acids, also known as omega. These, especially omega-3s, are fatty acids needed for brain function and need to be replaced from time to time; in this case, the human body does not. produce these types of nutrients, so it is essential that they are obtained through food.
Here are some of the best foods we can eat to provide our brain with the necessary fats:
Fish such as sardines, tuna and mackerel are rich in omega-3, and are also very healthy and beneficial in times of stress or depression, a recommendation to improve their effect is to consume them fresh and, if possible, not too large. , because, in this way, they contain fewer metals.
This type of oil, cold pressed, has a high content of polyphenols, antioxidants that prevent aging and deterioration of neurons, it is important to know that these healthy effects are lost when the oil is too hot.
Nuts are one of the references to foods beneficial to the brain and, curiously, also resemble them. Nuts are the largest plant source of omega-3, so they are ideal for stimulating and protecting the brain.
Considered a superfood, avocado contains about 20 vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, K, B6, potassium, magnesium and iron; In addition, it provides the dose of monounsaturated fatty acids that the brain needs; this fruit provides enough energy to the brain. and improves the performance of cognitive functions.
In short, the best diet is one that meets the nutritional needs of our body, maintaining a low-fat diet can be healthy for some people at times, however fats, in the right proportion, are still necessary.