Everyone is clear: Albert Einstein was one of the scientists most epic in history. This physicist turned the tables, theorizing and elaborating some of the most groundbreaking physical laws on the scientific scene. For example, the well-known theory of relativity that completely redefined the concept of gravity and opened the door to discovering the mysteries hidden behind black holes. And precisely, speaking of theories, there is much theorizing about whether Albert Einstein’s diet for much of his life had something to do with obtaining such praiseworthy intelligence.
Many corners of the Internet claim that for much of his life, Albert Einstein’s diet was vegetarian. However, in other places it is possible to read that he only ate meat and that this had to do with his being a scholar. In short, it seems that there is no food consensus to cling to in order to figure out what was Albert Einstein’s fetish diet.
There is another issue that also has no scientific backing, no matter how good it sounds: consuming according to what type of food is not going to make us smarter. That is, if you are not very savvy, it is unlikely that a bowl of chia with mango will turn you into a brainiac. On the other hand, it does not seem that some nachos with cheese will have the opposite effect. Although it’s nice to fantasize about it. Unfortunately, none of this seems to have a solid scientific basis to hold on to.
Omega-3 is pure food fantasy, also for the Albert Einstein diet
What does have solid and consolidated scientific evidence over the years is the relationship between some nutrients that we obtain from the diet and certain neurological processes. Although it may seem preposterous, the truth is that diet can influence really in the health of our brain. In fact, some nutrients such as the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that we find in salmon or walnuts play important roles in this area. This type of fat serves as support to reinforce the membrane that surrounds our cells, being key in many metabolic processes.
Therefore, having a healthy brain not only helps you solve third degree equations, but is also associated with better cognitive performance. In Christian, it means that we can improve our memory, concentration and delay the aging of our brain, so linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. We don’t know if this was part of Albert Einstein’s diet, but surely something helped him
In fact, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has validated some healthy statements that they can use those foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 line, such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA):
- The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels.
- The intake of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contributes to the normal development of the brain of the fetus and infants.
- The eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contribute to the normal functioning of the heart.
Antioxidants so you don’t rust
But it’s not just about fat, but there are other components in food that help us delay the inexorable deterioration of our brain. For example, the antioxidants that we find in fruits such as blueberries, oranges or strawberries help combat cellular stress. Yes, our cells also get stressed. This stress has little to do with not making ends meet or anxiously awaiting the next chapter of moon knight. It refers to the natural deterioration of our cells, where compounds called free radicals intervene, surely they sound familiar to you. Fortunately, antioxidants help us by keeping their malevolent deteriorating effect at bay.
Other foods such as cocoa also stand out for their high antioxidant power. specifically attributed to its flavonoids that are part of the chemical group of polyphenols. Thus, Some scientific studies show a relationship between the consumption of cocoathe protection of neurons and better cognitive performance, also related to the presence of methylxanthines such as theobromine.
More antioxidant foods good for your brain
Additionally, we also find healthy compounds in foods such as broccoli, spinach or Brussels sprouts, where vitamin K plays an important role in the prevention of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. To finish off the job, we also find another micronutrient widely related to antioxidant and protective functions of the nervous system: vitamin E. We can find high amounts of vitamin E. For example, in the sunflower oil and nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds and peanuts. Although peanuts are not really a nut, but a legume.
Ultimately, following Albert Einstein’s diet will not make you a genius. In fact, you will most likely still be just as stupid. Still, it’s important to maintain a regular intake of foods rich in antioxidants and beneficial for brain health. In this way you will be able to reach old age with an enviable nervous system, a catalog brain and a memory to play dominoes worthy of an epic before “go asking for land”.