Top 3 best vitamins for a strong brain
It's almost impossible to get all the vitamins your brain needs to be healthy without resorting to supplementation. Not only because it is not always easy to have a varied and balanced diet. But also because certain factors such as stress and taking medications, food or the consumption of sugar, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol have the effect of increasing the body's need for vitamins.
However, numerous researches and studies have shown that certain vitamins contribute to the proper functioning of the brain. A vitamin deficiency therefore has harmful consequences for the body. While all vitamins are necessary to support optimal wellness and brain function, there are a few that particularly stand out.
So, which vitamins help you have a healthy brain?
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most popular vitamins for several good reasons. It is safe to consume, inexpensive and contains many benefits for the body. However, those on the brain are often overlooked. Here are some of the many reasons why vitamin C ranks among the best vitamins for supporting healthy brain function.
âś… It contributes to the production of neurotransmitters
The brain has about 86 billion neurons that communicate with each other via brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters affect just about every aspect of the body's life. They affect the ability to concentrate and memorize information. They also control mood, our cravings, our addictions and our sleep. Vitamin C is essential in the production of these neurotransmitters.
âś… It helps improve mood
Vitamin C could make you happy! In a recent study, subjects (selected randomly) who took vitamin C reported feeling happier, often even after just one week of consumption.
This may be explained by the fact that vitamin C is a necessary cofactor for synthesizing serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, three neurotransmitters essential for promoting good mood.
âś… It helps to defend the body
The brain is particularly susceptible to free radical damage due to its high use of oxygen. You can observe free radical damage when you cut an apple and watch it turn brown.
Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidant vitamins. Just dip an apple in lemon juice to see the brown coloring stop. The same goes for vitamin C which protects the brain against damage caused by free radicals.
According to a meta-analysis, the antioxidant power of vitamin C can be further enhanced with vitamin E.
âś… It helps reduce excess glutamate
Glutamate is a natural brain chemical, but too much of it is harmful. In excess, it becomes an excitotoxin – it literally excites brain cells until they die.
A surplus of glutamate then contributes to many neurological disorders. Vitamin C protects the neuroreceptors that control the release of glutamate.
âś… It contributes to better blood circulation
By helping the body produce collagen (which helps keep arteries flexible), vitamin C contributes to good blood flow. Good blood circulation thus properly supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain, keeping it well nourished.
