Avoid junk foods, unhealthy lifestyles for brain health, expert group counsels

A group of medical experts from the Ilorin Neuroscience Group, on Wednesday, advised Nigerians to avoid junk foods and unhealthy lifestyles, as they could reduce the effective functioning of the brain.

The Group gave the advice as part of activities marking this year’s Brain Awareness Week, themed: “Your Diet and Your Brain Health”

Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research.

Prof. Bamidele Owoyele, the Head of Physiology Department, University of Ilorin, advised Nigerians specifically to imbibe a healthy lifestyle.

He pointed out that Brain Awareness Week was a global campaign to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science.

On his part, Prof. Oluwole Akinola of the Department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, noted that stroke was caused by damage to the brain, warning that Nigerians should guard against uncontrolled consumption of alcohol.

He explained that the goal behind the week was to establish that research presented hope for treatments, preventions and possible cures for brain diseases and disorders.

Dr. Maryam Ayinla, in her remarks, listed green leafy vegetables, nuts, eggs, apples, dark chocolates, among others as some of the foods that could boost brain power.

She submitted that food played a major role in keeping our brains healthy and can improve specific mental tasks, such as memory and concentration.

Dr. Hidaayah Jimoh-Abdulghaffar warned that abnormally aggressive case of anger should be reported, as it may require medical examinations.

The team urged the public to encourage anyone suspected of suffering mental illness, to visit a Psychiatric facility.

The awareness week unites efforts of partner organisations, from around the world, in a week-long celebration of the brain in March, every year.