Brain Basics
This organ uses about 20% of your body’s energy
What is the brain?
The brain needs a lot of energy to think, feel, and regulate emotions.
Eating healthy food regularly helps keep this steady.
What is blood sugar?
Big swings in blood sugar can lead to fatigue and mood changes.
This found in coffee or energy drinks can increase anxiety if you have too much.
What is caffeine?
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and can increase jitters and anxiety.
This supplement is found in fish and may support mood and brain health.
What is omega-3 (EPA/DHA)?
Omega-3 fats are involved in brain structure and inflammation regulation.
Food can affect how you feel emotionally.
True
Nutrition influences energy, brain chemistry, and stress responses.
This nutrient helps brain cells communicate with each other.
What are fats (especially healthy fats)?
Healthy fats are part of brain cell membranes and support brain signaling.
People who spend a lot of time indoors may have low levels of this vitamin, which can affect mood and energy.
What is vitamin D?
Less sunlight reduces vitamin D production, which may contribute to fatigue or low mood.
Doing this helps with focus because the brain needs blood flow to work well, especially in the summer.
What is hydration?
Even mild dehydration can affect attention and memory.
More vitamins always means better mental health.
False
The body needs the right amount, not too much, and excess can cause problems.
Supplements work instantly.
False
Supplements take time and don’t work the same for everyone.
Your brain needs this to make neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
What is protein (amino acids)?
Protein provides amino acids, which are used to build brain chemicals.
This gut hormone helps the brain know when the body has had enough food and can affect mood and energy.
What is GLP-1? (glucagon-like peptide-1)
GLP-1 is released when we eat and helps regulate fullness, blood sugar, and brain–gut communication.
L-theanine(an amino acid) found in this drink may help people feel calm and focused at the same time.
What is matcha or green tea?
L-theanine found in matcha/green tea promotes relaxation and may reduce caffeine-related nervousness.
This mineral found in foods like meat, beans, and spinach supports brain function and energy.
What is iron?
Iron supports oxygen delivery and neurotransmitter function in the brain.
You need to eat perfectly to have good mental health.
False
Consistency and balance matter more than perfection.
Not eating regularly can worsen these mental health symptoms
What is irritability, anxiety, or low mood?
When the brain doesn’t get steady fuel, stress responses increase.
Name one food that is high in magnesium.
What are nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, beans, or whole grains?
Magnesium is found in many plant-based foods and helps support the nervous system and muscle function.
This mineral helps with muscle relaxation and sleep.
What is magnesium?
Magnesium plays a role in nerve signaling and muscle relaxation.
This amino acid may support calmness without causing sleepiness.
What is L-theanine?
L-theanine increases calming brain activity without sedation.
Social media is always a reliable source for supplement advice.
False
Online advice is often inaccurate and not medically reviewed.
True or False: Your brain works best when you skip meals.
False
Skipping meals can lead to low energy, mood changes, and poor focus.
True or False: One specific food can “fix” depression or anxiety.
False
Mental health is influenced by many factors; food supports but does not cure.
True or False: Energy drinks are a healthy way to boost focus.
False
Energy drinks often contain high caffeine and sugar, which can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep.
This vitamin supports the nervous system and helps protect brain cells from stress.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is important for neurotransmitter production and stress response.
Weight alone tells you everything about someone’s health.
False
Weight doesn’t show what’s happening inside the body or brain.