Nutrition & exercise for brain health: Enhancing cognitive function and neuroplasticity

This editorial examines the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, and brain health, emphasizing their effects on cognitive function and mental well-being. Evidence supports a balanced diet - rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and patterned after the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet - as crucial for sustaining neural structure, function, and plasticity. Similarly, regular exercise has been shown to enhance mood, attention, memory, and overall cognitive performance. However, despite these demonstrated benefits, the precise neurobiological mechanisms through which diet and exercise influence brain health remain unclear. This article explores both the efficacy of these interventions and the challenges involved in optimizing them for long-term cognitive resilience.