Nutrition's role in brain health highlighted by expert

Nutrition is a key factor for brain health throughout life. Nutrients from food support the formation, function and protection of brain cells, which number about 86 billion neurons and trillions of synapses. Professor Dr. Durval Ribas Filho, president of the Brazilian Association of Nutrology, notes that certain dietary patterns can lower the risk of cognitive decline, depression and neuro‑degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, epilepsy and migraine.

The gut‑brain axis also influences brain function: a balanced microbiota produces substances that affect mood, memory, sleep and learning, while helping control inflammation and metabolic health. Diets rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, legumes and fermented foods promote this balance. Although no single diet can prevent disease, scientific evidence associates the Mediterranean diet and similar eating patterns with better cognitive protection.