Introduction: Every day, humans eat three main meals that consist of nutrients and minerals with particular impacts on different organs of the body (e.g., brain). Each one of the three meals contains different nutrients that are considered the energy sources for the organs of our bodies such as our brains. The shortage or excess of these nutrients can cause diseases and disorders in the performance of the brain and other organs with potential destructive impacts. The brain consumes the largest portion of the consumed energy. Substances such as calcium, potassium, and sodium improve the performance of the brain and the nervous system, though their excess can bring about some disorders. The current article aimed to investigate the impacts of nutrition on the human cerebral cortex.
Methods: Nutrients contain such minerals as – among other things - magnesium, sodium, and potassium that have considerable effects on the performance of the cerebral cortex. For instance, sodium and potassium are considered the neurotransmitters of synapses and play an important role in the performance of the cerebral cortex. The shortage of sodium results in exhaustion, lethargy, and even spasm, and its overconsumption can increase blood pressure and harm other parts of the body. Potassium also plays a key role in controlling blood pressure and control the amount of sodium. Its shortage can increase sodium, while its excess can reduce the rate of sodium. Moreover, magnesium and lithium play an important role in the prevention of depression and bipolar disorder. In addition to minerals, proteins play a key role in the cerebral cortex. For instance, dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters that are derived from two amino acids called tyrosine and tryptophan, respectively. The most important vitamin concerning the performance of the cerebral cortex is B12, the shortage of which can lead to mental deterioration. Carbohydrates and fats are also quite important in the provision of energy for the cerebral cortex, and the brain cannot function without them.
Results: Nutrition plays a key role in the performance of the cerebral cortex and can have multiple direct and indirect effects on the cerebral cortex. Nutrients that can have direct impacts on the cerebral cortex include unsaturated fatty acids such as omega 3, 6, and 9 that can assist in the development of the cerebral cortex, increase consciousness and the performance of the cerebral cortex, and improve memory. Furthermore, since lycopene fights free radicals in the body and prevents the destruction of brain cells, it plays a key role in the well-being of the brain. Some vitamins such as C and K are quite important in the improvement of brain function and the enhancement of intelligence particularly among children and the newborn. Vitamin B4 is effective in the prevention of brain deterioration, as well. On the other hand, some substances have indirect impacts on the cerebral cortex. For instance, iron is a mineral that plays a major role in the performance of the brain. The shortage of iron brings about multiple problems for the body. Its shortage can lead to issues such as anemia, fatigue, hypoxia, and exhaustion. When the oxygen level of the body decreases due to the lack of iron, the cerebral cortex (as the organ that receives the largest portion of the oxygen in the body) suffers hypoxia and cannot continue its function. Moreover, the shortage of copper in the body prevents the production of antioxidants. Then, antioxidants such as vitamin K and lycopene are not absorbed well in the body, and this can harm the memory function of the brain. Another important mineral that is useful for the brain is zinc. It assists nerves and improves recall.
Conclusion: Nutrition and the nutrients that are consumed play a major role in the performance of the cerebral cortex. Fatty acids are quite helpful in the performance of the cerebral cortex and the enhancement of memory. In addition, vitamins C, K, and B4 are effective in the enhancement of memory. Moreover, iron and copper play important roles in supplying oxygen to the cerebral cortex and producing antioxidants. The shortage of the above substances can lead to brain deterioration, hypoxia in the cerebral cortex, and other issues.