Just like other parts of the body, our brain and nerve cells need proper nourishment as well. As it turns outs, eating healthy fruits can be a great way to support a healthy nervous system.
In this article, we’ve researched and listed out the healthiest fruits for the nervous system that you can consider adding to your diet. Keep reading if you want to learn more.
1. Bananas
When it comes to nourishing your nervous system, it’s hard to beat bananas. Our nervous system controls nearly every aspect of our existence from how we think, move, and breathe.
One way to keep it functioning properly is to eat plenty of whole foods that contain Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps the body to produce neurotransmitters that are found in red blood cells and other hormones.
Besides being a delicious and convenient snack food, bananas are packed with Vitamin B6. You can get nearly 25% of your daily Vitamin B6 by eating one banana.
It’s not just the sweet, ripe bananas that deliver great benefits to our nervous system. Green bananas are full of resistant starches that feed good gut bacteria. Researchers have found a solid link between our gut health and a well functioning nervous system. When it comes to maintaining your nervous system, it’s a good idea to go with your gut.
2. Coconuts
Many instances of nerve damage are indirectly caused by bacterial and viral infections. The body succumbs to an infection and develops an immune disorder that triggers nerve damage when left untreated.
Coconuts contain compounds such as lauric and caprylic acids that demonstrate antiviral activity when put to the test.
While coconut oil gets the most attention when it comes to dietary consumption, there are plenty of nutritional benefits in whole, unprocessed coconuts. Coconut meat contains a good deal of insoluble fiber that feeds good gut bacteria and supports a healthy nervous system.
3. Pomegranates
In a bad mood? An impaired nervous system could be the culprit. Our nervous system produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin that are responsible for regulating our mood and lowering anxiety.
Folate is a B vitamin that supports serotonin production. Consuming pomegranates regularly gives you a daily dose of feel-good folate. Pomegranate seeds make great salad toppings, or you can blend them up as part of a fruit smoothie.
4. Oranges
Oranges are well known for having a high amount of Vitamin C, which is needed to maintain healthy skin, teeth, and gums. However, they also have significant amounts of thiamine. Thiamine belongs to the group of B vitamins that are known as anti-stress vitamins.
Headaches, irritability, and unexplained bouts of depression are some signs that you’re low on thiamine. Consuming thiamine-rich foods such as oranges can help you to stay in a good mood and keep your brain sharp.
Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin that needs to be replaced daily since it’s not stored by the body. Oranges are a good plant-based source of the vitamin. However, don’t try to take the easy way out and consume packaged orange juice instead of oranges.
Whole oranges contain fiber that helps the body to properly digest the sweet fruit. Bottled orange juice is little more than orange-flavored sugar water that’s laced with synthetic vitamins.
5. Prunes
Prunes contain Vitamin B6 that supports brain health and cognitive function. The Vitamin B6 in prunes also helps with adrenal function. Regularly eating prunes fosters a calm, healthy nervous system.
6. Berries
The health benefits of berries are well known, and they are always good options for people who are watching their sugar intake. Science has recently confirmed the benefits of berries on the nervous system.
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries change the way that neurons communicate within the aging brain. This change protects the brain against inflammation that can damage neurons, impair motor skills, and reduce cognitive skills.
According to the clinical findings that were published by Science Daily, consuming berries may be a game changer for treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other mental disorders.
Blueberries
Blueberries pack a huge nutritional punch for their small size. They contain high amounts of Vitamins C, K, and A. Blueberries are also the highest source of antioxidant phytochemical compounds of all berries.
Strawberries
Strawberries don’t lag very far behind blueberries when it comes to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, they contain Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and folate.
Blackberries
The plant compounds in blackberries are known for their antimicrobial and anti-cancer fighting properties. Blackberries contain antioxidant Vitamins C, E, and K.
During the study, all berries displayed the same benefits. The scientists who conducted the research were unsure if the individual components in the berries yielded the amazing results or if the benefits came from a combination of components that blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries all possess.
Their findings were so impressive that they want to do more research on the topic. Interested in protecting your mental faculties for the long haul? Play it safe and regularly eat a variety of berries in their whole food forms.
7. Persimmons
While persimmons don’t have an extraordinary amount of any one anti-stress B vitamin, they do contain moderate amounts of several of them. They contain thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and folate (B9). Persimmons also have significant amounts of antioxidant Vitamins C and E, which help to protect neurons against oxidative stress.
8. Avocados
Avocados have grown in popularity because of their versatility as a healthy ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. However, avocados also contain some impressive components that support nervous system maintenance.
Besides having a number of anti-stress B vitamins, avocados also contain high amounts of the electrolyte mineral potassium. The central nervous system relays signals between the brain and other areas of the body.
To accomplish this, it needs electrolytes. As an electrolyte, the potassium in avocados helps to control your heartbeat and other muscle reflexes. An average-sized avocado contains up to 974 mg of potassium. This is about 20% of the daily recommended amount of potassium.
Final Thoughts
You can consider eating more of the fruits that were mentioned in this article to help.
References
The following are the sources that were used while doing research for this article:
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection
- https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-bananas
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/439728-foods-that-are-antiviral-antibacterial-and-antifungal/
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/bacteria-trigger-nerve-cells-cause-pain
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gut-microbiota-how-does-it-interact-with-the-brain
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-pomegranates
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-pomegranate
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin-b1-thiamine
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/prunes-health-benefits
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-loaded-with-potassium#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-does-potassium-do#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
Medical Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read in this article. Please consult with your physician before changing or adding any foods or supplements to your diet.