It’s all in the mind?
Having a robust mental health means we can protect ourselves from all sorts of issues, such as depression, poor concentration and memory. If we encounter these problems in our senior years we could start to feel negative about our ageing and the impact it has on our wellbeing. Experts have revealed the three amino acids that serve as building blocks to the chemicals in our blood that help moderate our minds.
Sunny side up
Tryptophan is a substance found mostly in eggs, meat, chocolate and soy. It’s an amino acid that helps to form serotonin in our systems. This hormone has been linked with lots of processes and is connected to Parkinson’s disease and depression. It can also regulate our sleeping patterns, so including these foods in our diet may lead to us feeling more refreshed.
Memory boost
A second important amino acid is tyrosine, as this is necessary for our working memory, alertness and mood regulation. To prevent us struggling to remember things or feeling mentally tired then we are advised to top up on cheese, soy, eggs and foods containing sea weed extract. The amino acid can also protect our wellness from the effects of regular stress, as these kinds of situations can prevent the brain making all the necessary neurotransmitters.
Muscle up
Physical weakness isn’t a fact of getting older, although we may have to try harder to keep our bodies in tune. Choline is a protein that helps to make acetylcholine, which is important for strong muscles. As well as having these benefits, the chemical has also been linked with our mental processes. In some tests it’s been shown to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, so like the other proteins it can safeguard our memories. We can find it in fish, meat, eggs and some vegetables.