Uma Naidu, a nutritionist and lecturer at Harvard Medical School, described how diet affects brain activity.

The nutrition expert also identified 5 foods that improve memory and concentration.

According to the National Institute on Aging, our diet can affect mental activity. 

Diet plays an important role in biological mechanisms such as inflammation or oxidative stress.

They are the basis of Alzheimer's disease.

Of course, one diet is not able to prevent the disease, but it can provide the necessary

amount of useful trace elements for the body.

What foods have a beneficial effect on brain activity, said Dr. Uma Naidu in a material for the cnBC website.

 On the connection of nutrition with mental abilities, Naidu wrote a whole book called "Restless Brain".

So, for example, to improve memory and concentration, the specialist advised to include

the following products in the diet:

• dark chocolate;
• berries;
• turmeric;
• leafy greens;
• fermented products.

Naidu commented on each of the points.

"Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and cocoa flavanols, which keep brain cells healthy. In addition, the product contains fiber. It prevents cognitive decline and is able to reduce inflammation of the brain, "the specialist commented.

However, not every chocolate bar will be so useful. According to Naidu, the cocoa content in the delicacy should be at least 70%. To maintain health, 45 g of chocolate per week is enough.

Berries teacher Harvard allocated because of the high content of phytonutriets, fiber, vitamins and minerals. These nutrients help preserve memory and also maintain an optimal balance of microbes in the gut. Plus a variegated berry mix reduces anxiety symptoms and helps fight neurodegenerative diseases.

Turmeric nutritionist included in the list because of the content of curcumin.

"It's a powerful anti-inflammatory substance," Naidu says. "Studies have shown that its use can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and reduce cognitive impairment."

For better assimilation, the specialist advised to combine turmeric with black pepper. The latter contains piperine, which increases the bioavailability of trace elements.

Greens have proven to be beneficial to the brain due to folic acid and B vitamins in the composition. Together they support the development of the nervous system. Among the wide variety, Naidu singled out:

• arugula;
• spinach;
• chard;
• cress.

Fermented foods made the list because of microorganisms that feed on sugars.

"We have a so-called connection between the gut and the brain," Naidu says. "So when we eat fermented foods and promote the health of our gut, we can also improve our cognitive function."

The specialist advised to include in the diet yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and drinks based on kombucha.

 However, with the number of fermented products should not get carried away.

Their overabundance can cause bloating.

To prevent this, we recommend reading about foods that improve digestion.