Our brains need these EFAs to function properly and can also reduce rates of depression. Olive oil is high in polyunsaturated fat; you can use it when cooking, and you can also drizzle it over salads and steamed vegetables. Other dietary sources include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout, as well as walnuts, sunflower seeds, tofu, and soybeans.

Increasing DHA in your diet has been shown to help improve depression and bipolar disorder. Dietary sources of DHA include the same foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, walnuts, tofu, and beef.

One study showed that saturated fat consumption decreased their risk for dementia by 36%.

Another study showed that a ketogenic (high fat, low carb) diet offers effective treatment for Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. This doesn’t mean you should start eating unlimited amounts of pizza and hot dogs. Instead, you can incorporate high-quality sources of saturated fats into your diet like grass-fed meat and butter, whole milk and eggs, and coconut fat.

With this new information, we should stop banning fats from our diet and embrace them in moderation so that we can truly nourish our brains. Our brains are actually 60% fat, so it stands to reason that it would be a good idea to give it what it needs to work properly.

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

Chronic inflammation prevents your immune system from working properly making you more susceptible to illness. Lean proteins like skinless turkey breast are good for boosting immunity as well. This healthy protein helps to fight infections by building antibodies. You can also eat meatless sources of protein, like Brazil nuts as well. Brazil nuts are also high in selenium, a mineral that may help protect against infections and the flu.

Recent research shows that vitamin C may not be as effective in preventing colds, but they can still reduce the length of a cold by one day if vitamin C is taken at the first sign of a cold. Leafy greens like kale and arugula are packed with nutrients like vitamin A and C, and also contribute iron and fiber. Arugula has been shown to help relieve chest congestion and cough. Mushrooms contain loads of vitamin B, antioxidants, potassium, and fiber. All of these nutrients contribute to a healthier immune system.

Vitamin A helps our mucous membranes function properly. Oats contain beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and boost immunity. A bowl of oatmeal can help prevent upper respiratory infections and possibly build white blood cells, which help fight infections.

A healthy, balanced diet is one of the best ways to stop illness before it even starts. If you do catch a cold or the flu this winter, and your symptoms are severe, come to your nearest  Neighbors Emergency Center. We are open 24/7/365, and we have short wait times to get you back to doing what you love most. Find your nearest Neighbors at nec24.com.