I work in an office, recently my memory has declined somewhat.
Can I ask the doctor if I want to eat animal brains regularly (like pork brain) for good memory? What should I pay attention to? (Thuy Dung, HCMC)
Reply:
The brain is a very important organ in the body, although it accounts for only 2% of the body weight, it needs 20% of the total energy and oxygen needs of the whole body. In order for this organ to be healthy, flexible and optimal, it is necessary to provide enough nutrients.
Folks often have the concept of "eating whatever is good for you" and the most common is eating animal brains such as pig brains to help nourish the brain and enhance memory. According to the Vietnamese food composition table published in 2007, in 100 g of pork brain, there are 9 g protein (protein), 9,5 g fat (lipid), 7 mg calcium, 0,3 g phosphorus, 1,6 mg iron and has about 2.200-2.500 mg of cholesterol. Pork brain, which is one of the animal organs, has the most cholesterol and does not balance the nutritional composition of nutrients compared to other foods such as low protein content, low iron ... Meanwhile, according to the recommended demand nutrients for Vietnamese people, each person should only provide less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day.
Eating a lot of pig brain provides cholesterol for the body in excess of the need. Thus, it is not necessarily good for memory, but on the contrary, it can be harmful to health, especially the health of the cardiovascular system. In the long run, eating a lot of pig brain can lead to the risk of overweight and obesity, atherosclerosis, blood lipid metabolism disorders, hyperuricemia, iron deficiency anemia...
Pork brain should only be eaten 1-2 times a week. Image: Ngo Tuyet Phuong
Adults can eat pork brain but in small quantities, just enough, sometimes once every 1-2 weeks. In addition, you need to provide a variety and balance of nutrients from other foods such as meats, fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy to be healthy.
For good memory, you can add nuts, foods rich in good fats like omega-3, essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants from green vegetables, ripe fruits. … These foods help optimize nutrients for the brain, enhance and maintain memory and brain activity. They also provide health benefits for the entire body.
If you suspect that your memory has signs of abnormal decline, you should go to an internal neurologist for examination and appropriate treatment.
Dr. Tran Thi Tra Phuong
Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System
