What Is The Best Source Of Energy For The Brain

It is also the preferred energy source for a fetus as well as the central nervous system.

What is the best source of energy for the brain. The brain is an energy intensive organ using around 20 percent of the body s calories so it needs plenty of good fuel to maintain concentration throughout the day. What s the source of energy that powers the human brain. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for your brain. Wenht istock getty images while eating a healthy balanced diet is key to overall good health your brain derives nutrition and energy from specific foods primarily carbohydrates but also from fatty acids which provide fuel in the form of ketones.

Bananas may be the best quick snack for sustained energy. Because the brain is so rich in nerve cells or neurons it is the most energy demanding organ using one half of all the sugar energy in the body. The brain typically gets most of its energy from oxygen dependent metabolism of glucose i e blood sugar but ketones provide a major alternative source together with contributions from medium chain fatty acids caprylic and heptanoic acids lactate acetate and possibly amino acids. The preferred energy source for the brain is always glucose.

Glucose a form of sugar is the primary source of energy for every cell in the body. While bananas are a good natural source of sugar they are also rich in fibers that help slow the digestion of that sugar. Because the brain demands such high amounts of energy the foods we consume greatly affect brain function including everything from learning and memory to emotions. Despite comprising only 2 percent of the body s weight the brain gobbles up more than 20 percent of daily energy intake.

Originally appeared on quora.