Decades of research has now verified that many seeds and nuts enhance brainpower and mood. In the context of our evolution as a species this has to make sense given that, seeds and nuts, fruits vegetables and herbs constituted up to 65% our ancestors' diets, the balance being made up of wild game rich in essential fats. This diet was in essence low in carbohydrates, animal protein, saturated fat and salt and high in fibre, essential fats, phytochemicals including chlorophyll , minerals and vitamins. Despite eating vast quantities of plant based foods such as seeds and nuts obesity was non existent and modern chronic diseases unheard of. In nature nutrients exist together in the correct proportions for efficient metabolism. For instance: Walnuts are a great source of tryptophan which is converted to serotonin a mood enhancing neurotransmitter. However the Vitamin B6 and folate, found in vegetables, fruits and nuts, are also crucial to converting this tryptophan into serotonin. So to maximize health it is paramount to consume the wholefoods which contain nutrients in the correct proportions.

As an example of how natural foods support brain function it has been shown that almonds can drastically reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease . This is attributed in part to the high level of phenylalanine an amino acid that can cross the blood brain barrier and stimulate the brain to produce dopamine . Almonds also contain high levels of riboflavin which may boost memory.

Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are an excellent source of tryptophan, making them a completely natural way to relive mild depression and insomnia. Sunflower seeds are high in thiamine, and Vitamin E important for memory and to prevent free radical damage to the brain.

Flaxseeds (linseeds) are rich on Omega 3 , soluble fibre and lignans. It is firmly established that the function of brain cell membranes which are derived from fat is dependent on the the type of fat
consumed. Foods such as flaxseed which are rich in Omega 3 contribute substantially to the optimal functioning of neurotransmitters in the brain to support mood.