Walnut, potato, mango boost brain performance -Expert

A nutritionist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Mr Tunde Ajobo, on Tuesday said walnut, potato and mango were super foods packed with health enhancing properties for the human brain. Ajobo, a Dietician and Head, Dietetic Department of the college, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan. “These foods have health functions ranging from prevention of heart diseases and cancers to improving skin tone and boosting memory and brain function,” the don said. He explained that walnut was a rich source of ALA (Omega3), and therefore, useful in boosting depression and raising cognitive functions. Ajobo said walnut was an edible seed of Juglans Regia tree which originated in India and the regions surrounding the Caspian Sea. “The tree has multiple uses, it can be used as food (edible seed), medicine, furniture, and dye. “The seed has a number of health benefits ranging from weight management to prevention and slowing of various cancers,” he said. Ajobo added that baked potato with its flesh and skin but without salt had healthy low calorie and high fibre. He said, “It is a good source of vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Manganese; all are beneficial to brain health. “One hundred grammes of baked potato supplies 16 per cent Daily Value each of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6; 15 per cent DV of Potassium and 11 per cent DV of Manganese. “Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the production of Serotonin9, Melatonin and GABA.” Ajobo said mango was rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Vitamins K, A and E. “Fruits like mangoes and bananas are high in Vitamin B6 and therefore, good for brain health,” he added. He said honey was the oldest natural sweetener known to man as it comprised equal parts of glucose and fructose. “It contains B vitamins, magnesium, Manganese and Anti-oxidants; all are good for brain health. The fructose in honey fuels the brain which is the most energy demanding organ of the body. “It protects the brain from mental exhaustion and keeps it perked up,” he said.