The brain and nervous system are unarguably the most important parts of the human body, and they work in sync; hence damage to one affects the other. Although not limited to these, the best vitamins for the brain and nervous system are the B-complex. These vitamins can be found in various meals or as a one-pill supplement to aid brain functioning and cell metabolism and improve the growth of red blood cells. Here are some of the best vitamins for the brain and nervous system.
B-Complex Vitamins for the Brain
There are eight B vitamins, and these are essential to keep your brain healthy. These vitamins include:
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Vitamin B1
Also known as Thiamine, B1 aids metabolism by converting glucose and other nutrients into energy the brain needs. The brain uses the most energy to function, hence the need for meals with this vitamin. Such meals include cereals, pork, tofu, green peas, beans and sunflower seeds.
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Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 is known as Riboflavin and acts as an antioxidant that improves cell generation and helps produce energy. It also aids the easy breakdown of medicines and fat. Vitamin B2 is essential to the brain because it doesn’t just aid neurological function but also fights against free radicals capable of causing inflammatory diseases, cancer and even heart disease. Riboflavin is found in cheese, eggs, yogurt, and salmon.
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Vitamin B3
Known as Niacin, Vitamin B3 keeps the brain, nervous system, hair and skin healthy. Just like most B complex vitamins, it also aids the easy conversion of food into energy. Niacin also aids DNA repair and acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin B3 is found in beef, chicken liver, peanuts, mushrooms and wheat.
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Vitamin B5
Known to some as Pantothenic acid, vitamin B5 is one of the most important vitamins needed by the brain and nervous system. It not only aids energy production but also helps the body manufacture new blood cells when needed. Pantothenic acid also produces sex and stress-related hormones and aids the smooth functioning of your nervous system. It is found in grainy cereals, broccoli, dairy milk, potatoes and brown rice.
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Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a great vitamin for the brain and nervous system because it produces neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers that transmit information from one nerve to another, which is then communicated to the brain.
Essentially, your body cannot function properly without neurotransmitters hence the importance of Vitamin B6. Also known as Pyridoxine, B6 aids brain development and greatly improves mood. It is found in liver, salmon, tuna and chickpeas.
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Vitamin B7
B7 is also known as Biotin, a very important vitamin that aids the proper operation of the nervous system. It also helps to improve hair, skincare and nails, as well as aids liver metabolism.
Biotin is also known to aid the retention and maintenance of mucous membranes that protect your organs from invasive pathogens and harmful body fluids. Vitamin B7 is found in meals like eggs, potatoes, nuts, yeast and avocado.
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Vitamin B9
B9 is one of the most common b complex vitamins because of its role in brain and nervous system functioning. First, it aids cell generation and division. It also protects the brain from defects or cancer.
Vitamin B9 can be in folate form found in meals like avocado, broccoli, spinach and liver. It can also be in the form of folic acid, which is found in supplements.
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Vitamin B12
Another important vitamin for the brain and nervous system is Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). It is easily the most popular brain vitamin because it plays an essential role in nerve development and functioning. It also aids red cell formation, DNA production, cell breakdown and even prevents osteoporosis. Vitamin B12 can be found in cheese, fish, eggs, fortified cereals and meat
Aside from these, other essential vitamins that help to improve brain and nervous system functioning include vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E. Vitamin C is good for the brain as it acts as an antioxidant molecule that aids the growth of neurons.
Vitamin D, on the other hand, aids brain functioning by protecting the nervous system from free radicals. It also improves cognitive performance by enhancing your memory and attention span.
Finally, Vitamin E also improves brain health by preventing cognitive decline or different types of dementia, especially in older people.
Why these Vitamins are Good for the Brain
There are several benefits of using these B vitamins, especially to improve neurological and cognitive functioning.
First, B-complex vitamins increase your energy levels since these vitamins play a role in the energy production needed for your brain to function properly. These vitamins also play a role in nerve signaling, which creates essential neurotransmitters needed by your nervous system.
Regular intake of B-complex vitamins is also good for the brain because it prevents dementia, depression and cognitive dysfunction, which are symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency.
These vitamins also prevent anemia by aiding red and white blood cell generation. B vitamins also prevent inflammation and even improve your cardiovascular health.
Even pregnant women or nursing mothers require these B vitamins because they aid brain development, reduce the risk of preeclampsia and generally reduce congenital disabilities.
Finally, these vitamins are good for the brain because they boost your mental health by enhancing your concentration, brain speed and memory span.
Where Can You Find Supplements to Support Your Nervous System
You can always find various vitamin supplements in health stores and nearby pharmacies. If you’re more of an online shopper and want the best supplements for your nervous system, you can visit Tahiro. We sell the most effective and affordable products with 100% natural formulas to improve your everyday life.
