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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Genius Foods summary
Max Lugavere
Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain for Life
25 mins
Brief summary
'Genius Foods' by Max Lugavere dives into the science behind what we eat and how it impacts brain function. The book offers practical advice and recipes for optimizing brain health through nutrition and lifestyle changes.
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Genius Foods
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Key idea 1 of 9
Optimizing your diet can boost your brain’s performance at any point in your life.
Ever wondered how some 90-year-olds remain so whip-smart? Chances are it might have something to do with what they’ve been eating over the last half-century.
There are plenty of myths out there about the way the brain works. One common misconception is that our brains stop developing once we hit 25. After that, it’s often claimed, it’s all downhill.
But that’s just not true. In fact, our brains can continue improving throughout our lives.
Scientists proved as much in the mid-1990s. Brains, they discovered, continue changing until death – something known in the field of neuroscience as neuroplasticity – and food plays an important part in keeping the brain healthy. Choosing the correct diet doesn’t just help prevent future illnesses like dementia, but it can also dramatically improve the function of the brain today.
The author began to notice this after researching brain health and diet in an attempt to understand his mother’s early-onset Alzheimer’s. After adapting his own diet, he became more focused, energetic and balanced.
That's because what we eat has a massive impact on overall brain health.
A study conducted by the Food and Mood Center at Deakin University in 2017 found that severe depression can be treated by making dietary changes.
When participants in the study cut sugar, fried food and processed meats from their diets, while eating more vegetables, olive oil, nuts, fish, whole grains, legumes and lean red meat, their depressive symptoms were radically reduced.
Finnish neurobiologist Miia Kivipelto, an expert on the effects of diet and lifestyle on brain health, has further found that healthy eating can boost cognitive function more generally.
Kivipelto’s study was based on 1,200 older adults deemed at risk of cognitive decline. Half the participants were enrolled in social support groups for loneliness, depression and stress, while simultaneously taking part in nutritional and exercise programs. The remaining participants received only social support.
The results? The first group saw their cognitive function rise by an astonishing 25 percent, while their decision-making and interpersonal skills improved by 83 percent in comparison to the second group.
So that’s the science behind healthy eating. Better dietary choices can make you smarter, happier and more productive.
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What is Genius Foods about?
Genius Foods (2018) makes a simple but compelling point: what we eat today is starving our brains. Drawing on the most up-to-date scientific research, it connects the dots and shows just how our diets can affect our cognitive health. But this isn’t just an academic treatise – it’s an actionable plan that’ll put you on the path to greater mental agility, balance and a happier life while safeguarding yourself against dementia.
Genius Foods Review
Genius Foods (2018) by Max Lugavere is a captivating exploration of the impact of food on brain health. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With eye-opening research and expert interviews, it reveals how certain foods can optimize cognitive function and prevent brain diseases.
- Max Lugavere's compelling argument for a brain-boosting diet is supported by scientific evidence, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance.
- The book's practical tips and accessible language make complex nutritional concepts easy to understand and apply in everyday life, ensuring it's far from a boring read.
Who should read Genius Foods?
- Healthy eaters looking for data-driven nutritional advice
- Dieticians, nutritionists and food scientists
- Anyone looking to fine-tune their gray cells
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Genius Foods FAQs
What is the main message of Genius Foods?
The main message of Genius Foods is that our diet can significantly impact our brain health and cognitive function.
How long does it take to read Genius Foods?
The reading time for Genius Foods varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Genius Foods a good book? Is it worth reading?
Genius Foods is a worthwhile read. It offers valuable insights into the relationship between our diet and our brain health.
Who is the author of Genius Foods?
Max Lugavere is the author of Genius Foods.
What to read after Genius Foods?
If you're wondering what to read next after Genius Foods, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- What to Eat When by Michael Roizen
- Brain Food by Lisa Mosconi
- Eat to Beat Disease by William W. Li
- Eat to Beat Your Diet by William W. Li
- Clean(ish) by Gin Stephens
- Head Strong by Dave Asprey
- In Praise of Walking by Shane O'Mara
- The XX Brain by Lisa Mosconi
- Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer