Brain Food: 10 AFA Micronutrients Scientifically Proven For A Happy Foundation

Did you know that the things we eat can have a major impact on the way we feel? Aside from supporting physical health, when we nourish ourselves with foods high in essential amino acids, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals they can directly impact our mental health and happiness, like combatting symptoms of depression and anxiety.  

How does what we eat affect how we feel? It’s largely connected to our brains. Our cognitive systems are the primary factor in regulating our moods, and there are specific nutrients they require to operate at their highest levels. Think of our brain like a car and the food we eat as the fuel. Of course you can put low-grade fuel in it, but you’re going to get low-grade results. Although, when you fill it with high-grade fuel, you’re going to get the best results out of it. 

Research related to food and brain health has identified 10 nutrients that directly influence our cognitive function and brain health. Amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, calcium, chromium, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, folate, and zinc are all considered essential elements to peak cognitive performance, improving happiness, moods and providing protection for age related  declines–and AFA contains each one. 

When ingested together and with consistency, these micronutrients can protect and create healthy, happy cognitive foundations by promoting and regulating chemical combinations that are scientifically proven to support happiness.  

1. Amino Acids 

Amino Acids (AA) are the building blocks of proteins, supporting various bodily functions.   Depending on the protein amount in a single meal, AA can directly improve cognitive function. From being biosynthetic precursors of feel-good, happy hormones serotonin and dopamine, to elevating learning ability, they have a widespread, powerful impact on brain health. Higher levels of AA saturation in the body is shown to aid in the  prevention of cognitive decline, improve social function, and combat depression and anxiety. 

These critical fatty acids support memory, focus, and blood flow in the brain. Research shows that high levels of blood flow in the brain are connected to better performance with cognitive tasks. Diets high in omega-3’s are also shown to be less prone to depression and suicide. DHA, one of the omega-3’s, promotes dopamine (a hormone that promotes feelings of well-being) production as well. 

Maintaining a diet with consistent ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids is key to nurturing a healthy, focused cognitive system, happier moods, and may even combat depression. 

3. Vitamins B6 & B12

Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in the production of neurotransmitters (messengers the brain sends to the rest of the body) and the regulation of energy levels in the brain. The regular consumption of B6 supports healthy cognitive function such as improved mood and boosted energy, as well as combatting depression. Some studies connect deficiency in B6 to decline in cognitive function and dementia. 

B12 supports the health of blood and nerve cells, generation of DNA, and prevents fatigue. High levels of B12 in the diet have shown to prevent atrophy (loss of neurons), therefore supporting memory and cognitive function as well. 

We need Calcium for more than just strong bones, it’s a busy-bee in the nervous system, supporting neurons and their activity by propagating electrical signals. In addition, it’s also strongly correlated with the formation of memory, metabolic rates, and cell growth. 

Ensuring we ingest Calcium in the right amounts is highly important to delivering the brain with the nutrients it needs to thrive!

Chromium aids in the synthesis of fatty acids and carbohydrates, meaning it carries out an important role in the absorption and use of Omega-3’s and their cognitive-boosting properties. Chromium enhances the activity of insulin, which converts sugar to energy, providing the brain with fuel for its functions. In this process, levels of tryptophan entry and serotonin  (a hormone responsible for regulating feelings of happiness and mood stabilization) synthesis in the brain are elevated. Meaning, aside from providing the brain with energy, Chromium can directly support happiness and mood-stabilization. 

Supporting memory retention and attention (focus), VItamin D is also invaluable as a neuroprotector and role in regulating the immune system. Deficiencies in this vitamin are connected to cognitive decline and increased risk of mood disorders and depression. 

As the most abundant metal in concentration in our brains, vital to the insulation, protection of, and enhancement of synaptic connections (messages sent in the brain) - Iron is widely considered crucial for the development of healthy brains. In regards to mood regulation and support of happiness, it supports the production of serotonin. 

Low levels of Folate (a B vitamin) have been linked to increased risk for depression and cognitive decline. It is generally considered to be an important piece to maintaining healthy cognitive function in individuals of all ages. 

Magnesium is essential in the nervous system, supporting memory, and protecting neurons from overstimulation which can destroy them and cause brain damage as well. There are large bodies of evidence that suggest Magnesium has the potential to combat depression, anxiety, migraines, and protection from chronic pain. 

10. Zinc

Found in almost every cell in the body, Zinc is a major player in maintaining healthy bodily functions. Low levels of Zinc have been connected to depression and inhibited learning, as it regulates the communication of brain cells. Assisting cognitive function as an antioxidant, protecting the brain from the damage of oxidation (rust), it has a big influence on the regulation of our immune systems as well. 

Normally, to ingest all of these nutrients, you would have to eat a wide range of foods and supplement the missing nutrients. Thankfully, AFA from Saluz provides convenient access to each of these amazing nootropics (and more).

AFA is pure brain food for an optimally functioning, healthy cognitive system!

https://saluz.io/products/afa-capsules-120ct-350mg