Brain Basics
What organ is directly affected by the nutrients in the foods we eat?
The brain
Omega-3 and omega-6 belong to which nutrient group?
Fats or fatty acids
What are the building blocks of protein?
Amino acids
What do we call nutrients that the body needs in relatively small amounts?
Micronutrients
Most of the brain’s energy comes from carbohydrates that are digested into what?
Glucose or blood sugar
When moisture is removed from the brain, most of its remaining weight comes from what nutrient?
Fats or lipids
Why are omega-3 and omega-6 called “essential” fatty acids?
The body must obtain them from food
Amino acids help the brain produce chemical messengers called what?
Neurotransmitters
Antioxidants help protect the brain from what type of damage?
Free-radical damage or oxidative stress
Carbohydrates come in three forms: sugar, starch, and what?
Fiber
Proteins are broken down into what smaller building blocks?
Amino acids
Name one food that may provide healthy fats.
Fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, etc.
Neurotransmitters can affect alertness, sleep, attention, and what else?
Mood
B6, B12, and folic acid belong to which vitamin family?
B vitamins
White bread may cause glucose to enter the blood slowly or rapidly?
Rapidly
Food can affect our energy, brain functioning, and what emotional state?
Mood
Healthy fats help form and maintain what structures in the brain?
Cell membranes
What may happen when several amino acids try to enter the brain at the same time?
They compete
Iron, copper, zinc, and sodium belong to what nutrient group?
Minerals
After a sharp blood-sugar increase, a sudden drop may affect attention, energy, and what?
Mood
Besides fats and proteins, the brain also contains glucose and small amounts of what nutrients?
Micronutrients
True or false: Eliminating every type of fat is best for brain health.
False
Instead of depending on one “magic food,” what nutritional practice provides different amino acids and nutrients?
Eating a balanced variety of foods
What eating habit helps us receive a wider variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants?
Eating a variety of foods
Oats, whole grains, and legumes release glucose more slowly, which may support what?
Steadier energy and attention