I’m a neurologist and this is the food I eat to keep my memory intact.
The products that we can find in the Spanish Mediterranean diet are admired inside and outside our country precisely because of the health benefits that each of them brings, as they already indicate. numerous scientific studies. A diet that is even capable of combating and preventing serious and cardiovascular diseases, as has already been demonstrated by the PREDIMED (Prevention with the Mediterranean Diet) study, which studied more than 7,000 random people with high cardiovascular risk.
Legumes, nuts, olive oil, omega-3 rich fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, dairy, vegetables… None of these are missing from this type of diet. essential foods for good healthHowever, while all of the foods in these groups are beneficial, there are some that stand out from the others when it comes to brain benefits that they are making a contribution.
This is exactly the case with mushrooms or champignons. Dr. SchneiderA board-certified neurologist and NYU School of Medicine graduate, she explains that she has no shortage of them in her daily diet: “I like the taste of them, and I like that they have high in protein and fiber“that are low in calories and fat, have anti-inflammatory properties, or are rich in nutrients,” he says on the Parade website.
Additionally, Schneider adds that beta-glucans are a type of soluble fiber linked to immune health, and they’re found in the walls of these mushrooms. That’s one of the main reasons they also “may help regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of cancer,” he explains.
Benefits that will also help brain health, according to research: “There is a large body of research on the effects of mushrooms on brain health and frequent consumption of this foodcan not only stimulate nerve growth, but also improve memory“, he assures.
The most used mushroom in Chinese medicine
In particular, of all the mushrooms and varieties of edible mushrooms that we can find in nature, Dr. Schneider singles out one that is not exactly known in Spain, but which has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diseases. relieve depression, anxiety and stressThis is a mushroom known as lion’s mane.
It is a type of white spongy mushroom with long, drooping spines that resemble a lion’s mane, hence its special name. But if it stands out in any way, it is because of its medicinal properties regarding the health of the brain and nervous system.
Contains bioactive compounds that have been shown to stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor and which helps maintain neurons, preventing neurodegenerative diseasesIt also improves cognitive function and concentration, reduces anxiety and depression, and is linked to the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease or even cancer.
As for the taste of lion’s mane, it is mild and some describe it as similar to seafood. There are so many things you can do with it baked, even fried or stewed. The latter is one of the expert’s favorite alternatives.
In fact, he assures that the best way to cook them at home is to fry them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and some spices as a seasoning that we like, this will make it much easier to include them in your daily diet and enjoy its benefits.