The Relationship between Food and the Brain: A Comprehensive Review

There is an intricate relationship between food and the brain, these bidirectional interactions shape cognitive function, mood, and overall neurological well-being. Through a comprehensive review of scientific literature, we can explore how various nutrients, dietary patterns, and eating habits influence brain health, as well as how the brain, in turn, modulates appetite, cravings, and dietary choices. This post underscores the significance of understanding these interactions to promote optimal brain function and of course, overall health. Remember, healthy mind, healthy body.

The human brain is a complex organ responsible for a myriad of functions, including cognition, emotion regulation, memory, and motor skills. Emerging research has unveiled the profound impact that food exerts on brain health and function, ranging from immediate effects on neurotransmitter activity to long-term implications for neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders.

2. Nutrients and Cognitive Function:

2.1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Highlighting the role of omega-3 fatty acids in maintaining brain structure and function, cognitive decline, and mood regulation.

2.2. Antioxidants: Exploring how antioxidants such as vitamins C and E protect against oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

2.3. B Vitamins: Examining the influence of B vitamins on neurotransmitter synthesis and cognitive performance, particularly folate and vitamin B12.

2.4. Amino Acids: Investigating the impact of amino acids, like tryptophan and tyrosine, on mood regulation and neurotransmitter production.

3. Dietary Patterns and Brain Health:

3.1. Mediterranean Diet: Analyzing the cognitive benefits of the Mediterranean diet's emphasis on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, and healthy fats.

3.2. DASH Diet: Exploring the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet's potential to lower the risk of cognitive decline and hypertension.

3.3. Western Diet: Discussing the detrimental effects of a Western-style diet high in saturated fats, sugars, and processed foods on brain health and cognition.

4. Gut-Brain Axis:

4.1. Microbiota Composition: Investigating how the gut microbiota influences brain function through the production of metabolites and communication via the gut-brain axis.

4.2. Neurotransmitter Production: Exploring the role of the gut microbiota in synthesizing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

5. Brain-Related Factors Affecting Eating Behavior:

5.1. Reward Pathways: Describing how brain regions like the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens regulate appetite and reward responses to different foods.

5.2. Emotional Regulation: Discussing the relationship between emotions, stress, and food choices, including the impact of comfort eating.

5.3. Hormonal Regulation: Exploring how hormones like leptin and ghrelin influence hunger, satiety, and food preferences.

6. Impact of Food on Mental Health:

6.1. Depression and Anxiety: Investigating the link between nutrient deficiencies and the development of mood disorders, highlighting the role of omega-3s, B vitamins, and magnesium.

6.2. Alzheimer's Disease: Exploring the potential protective effects of certain diets against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

6.3. ADHD: Discussing the influence of diet on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and the potential benefits of nutritional interventions.

7. Future Directions and Implications:

Continued research is crucial to fully elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying the food-brain relationship. Understanding these interactions could pave the way for personalized dietary interventions to promote brain health and prevent neurological disorders.

The bidirectional relationship between food and the brain underscores the importance of a holistic approach to health. Nutritional choices can significantly impact brain function, while the brain's intricate control over eating behavior reinforces the need for a comprehensive understanding of this relationship. As we continue to uncover the complexities of how food affects the brain, we have the potential to revolutionize our approach to mental health and well-being.

Life is too short to...

* not fall in love deeply

* have a job that you don't love

* postpone getting a ticket to go to that place (or places) you've been dreaming of

* not tell people how you feel

* not be who you really are

* not dance and sing MORE

* not spend a quiet day with yourself

* not help make a difference

* not feel gratitude (for the small things also)

* not be a better sister, brother, daughter, son, mother, wife, husband, father, friend, grandfather, grandson, grandaughter...

* not tweet

* not be the best at whatever it is that you do

* not smile

* be too worried about consuming chocolate, coffee, wine

* not read more

* not do sports as often as you can

* not spend more time in contact with nature

* not hug

* not take risks

* not be more curious



Please tell us what other things "life is too short to..." miss. We'd love to know your thoughts on this. xx

Barcelona!

I heart El Xampanyet












































































































































































































































The best part of a journey is the people you meet along the way. And the food.

Photo above is brunch at PICNIC

Punta del Este Food & Wine

José Ignacio, Uruguay.


Since last year, Punta del Este is part of the world’s circuit of haute cuisine: next month, a weekend with 5 unique events will take place, where chefs from the United States, Spain, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay will present their best dishes with the finest Wines of Uruguay.

Based on the success of the first edition, for the 2011 edition, the Festival will be in November again, the perfect excuse to visit Punta del Este in this exceptional time of year.

Opening day: November 11, 2011 Their message: “Escape to the best flavors of the world”

Ok, I’m there. I just booked my flight :-)

Have a nice weekend!!

happy friday!

So, where's the wine?

Exquisite restaurants in Buenos Aires are plentiful and though beef is the most popular dish, the city has been diversifying it's culinary options for years. With new restaurants popping up everywhere, one has a hard time deciding where to go. Some restaurants are hip, some are classics, some are innovative, romantic, exotic, etc. so, in the end it's all about your mood for that day.

Whether it’s Italian, Mediterranean, Peruvian, Vietnamese or French that you fancy, there is a place to satisfy your whims. But, every now and then, you may also ask yourself: where's the wine?

Many restaurants in Buenos Aires have a short, basic wine list as they are given a selection of wines by specific bodegas so that they "promote" them to their customers. This way, people get to taste and learn about these wines. For the bodegas, having their products in restaurants is indeed a good way for their wines to get out there and it also works well for restaurants, as they have a good selection of wines for their customers provided by the bodegas at a good price (if not for free).

However, some restaurants take their wine selection quite seriously and make a constant effort to actively search for the best wines available in Argentina and the world to include in their cavas.

Below are some examples that we think you'll enjoy:


Sottovoce
Sober and plain atmosphere. An interesting variety of pasta and the best wines to go with your meal.
Address: Libertador 1098, Recoleta, Buenos Aires..

El Mirasol
Classic, with a history of satisfying even the most demanding palates. Their wine list is long and fantastic. If you like Malbec, Catena Zapata Estiba Reservada (1996) is possibly the best wine you'll ever try! It's vintage, so obviously the price is on the high side. Our favorite waiter is: Franklin. Hi Franklin!
Address: Posadas 1032, Recoleta,. Buenos Aires.

Danzon
Modern industrial wine bar with flowers and candles everywhere; Danzón was the first winery in the city. Possibly one of the best wine lists in all of Buenos Aires.
Address: Libertad 1161, Recoleta, Buenos Aires.

Oviedo
Delicious food and wine. This place has only one thing in mind and that is to blow your mind- grilled meats, fresh fish, roasted lamb, risotto, among other exquisite preparations here are hard to equal. Their wine list is outstanding. Try the Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2006.
Address: Beruti 2601, Barrio Norte, Buenos Aires.

These recommendations are only a small portion of the many choices awaiting wine lovers in Buenos Aires. Tell us which ones you like or if there are any that you'd like for us to include in our list.

Enjoy

Roads and Flavors

Next week, people, traditions, places and products from all over Argentina will gather at La Rural to display their products as a way of showing the true meaning of identity.

This year, joining the food fair, we will also find crafts and tourism stands from several provinces.

For five days, food, wine and routes from all regions of Argentina will be in one place.

Hand in hand with more than 400 farmers and craftsmen the whole country will have the opportunity to discover itself. Organized by Fairs & Exhibitions for the seventh consecutive year, Caminos y Sabores (Roads and Flavors) establishes a channel with no intermediaries between the producer and consumer.

Sponsored by the National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI), Export.Ar Foundation, the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) and the Organization of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Roads and flavors is not just an opportunity to taste typical local products of the country but also a good way to understand the processes of local producers. It’s an invitation to explore a myriad of Argentinian culinary and sensory experiences, where the relationship between producers, environment and community is key in achieving outstanding quality.

Roads and flavors market is an opportunity to buy a wide range of products directly from each province and people of Argentina. The fair is an invitation to learn about the products we consume and how our choice of food can support local economies and small families. The link between producers and consumers acquires a new dynamic and allows closer ties.

Roads and flavors 2011 is simply an appointment with the roots of Argentinian identity, the scope for regional economies and a path to strengthen small producers. There are foods, drinks, crafts and special areas for the promotion of tourist destinations and festivals.

The fair offers a business model that seeks to promote family and local production of each region. Caminos y Sabores wishes to create awareness of the value that small businesses have in all provinces of Argentina. There are no middlemen, so most of the percentage of sales go directly to the artisans and producers.



From 14 to September 18 at La Rural

winter

As winter has finally arrived in Buenos Aires, we figure it’s nice to spend some time indoors. Cooking is the activity that comes to mind with this cold weather, or... shall we say... eating!

If you are interested in improving your culinary skills, Lucullus, the Gastronomic French Association in Buenos Aires, is hosting its Winter Cuisine Cycle. These cycles, this year, are three, being this the second one. Next one will take place during the spring. Here is the program for the rest of the week. Thought you might like to attend.

Wed. July 20, 8 p.m.
Olivier Falchi, Le Sud chef, in Hotel Sofitel (Arroyo 841, Recoleta)
“Soups and Veloutés ”

Thur. July 21, 8 p.m.
La Cave à Vin- French wineries in Argentina in Escuela Vatel (Paraguay 1583)
French wine and Champagne tasting

Fri. July 22, 8 p.m.
Jean-Paul Bondoux, La Bourgogne's chef and owner & Jérôme Mathe, Le Café des Arts chef (Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Palermo)
“14 Juillet, Specialties from our provinces”

Sat. July 23, 10 a.m.
Bruno Gillot, L’Épi Boulangerie's chef inEscuela de Pastelería (Corrientes 4367, Cap.Fed.)
Pastries: “Puff paste and apples”

Sat. July 23, 2 p.m.
Olivier Hanocq, L’Épi Boulangerie's chef in Escuela de Pastelería (Corrientes 4367, Cap.Fed.)
Pastries: “Chocolate bombons”

Sat July 23, 7 p.m.
Toufic Reda and Emiliano Di Nisi, Tô Buenos Aires' executive chefs (Costa Rica 6000, Palermo)
“Garnishes and chutneys in Frapanese Cuisine”

For more information: http://www.lucullus.com.ar


Ahhhh! It's friend's day in Argentina today, what are your plans? restaurants will be bursting at the seams with people celebrating. Keep that in mind when planning your night out and... happy friend's day!

Figuring out Palermo and what's new

Palermo is the biggest neighborhood in the city of Buenos Aires (although some still argue it is Belgrano). Palermo is divided into so many areas that it is really confusing figuring out which is which.
There are many ways to see Palermo in the map of the city of Buenos Aires but let's just figure out the Northern area: Palermo Viejo. 

Palermo Viejo extends from Scalabrini Ortiz to Dorrego between Av. Santa Fe and Av. Cordoba. It used to be a typical, middle class neighborhood but it reinvented itself between 2002 and 2010 and has not stop growing since. The houses in the area got revamped, the neighborhood started to get a better look and a lot of restaurants and boutique hotels started springing up.

Palermo Hollywood is Palermo Viejo's neighbor to it's right, it stretches from J.B. Justo to Dorrego but it is North of Palermo Viejo, starting on Av. Cordoba. It has been baptized "Hollywood" because the offices of TV and movie producers and various TV channels are located there.

Palermo Soho is located to the left of J.B. Justo and starts on Av. Cordoba. It is the Buenos Aires version of NYC's Soho, full of clothing boutiques and big brands. It has home deco stores and is loaded with very nice restaurants and bars. It opens at noon but it starts getting noisier towards night time. There are a lot of boutique hotels in this area as well. 

Here is some funny information: the Real Estate boom in the area has been so big that the next door neighbors of Palermo, neighborhoods Chacarita and Villa Crespo have decided to call themselves Palermo Dead and Palermo Queens respectively. More TV producers have set up their offices in Chacarita, around the cemetery therefore restaurants and coffee shops started to get established bringing life to an area that used to be "dead"! Villa Crespo is a big stretch away from Palermo, whoever thought of the name was right! Palermo Queens! getting there is like traveling from NYC into Queens. This area is known for it's outlet stores, mainly.

Hope this helps you figure out the Northern part of Palermo, and here are just two new restaurants that we love in the area:


Unik - Soler St. 5132















Owned by an Argentinean architect who has lived in Paris and Shangai, Unik offers an interesting experience of sophisticated and original dishes produced by Fernando Hara, disciple of Francis Malmann. The atmosphere is hip, colorful and kind of 70's




Sipan - Uriarte 1648



































Peruvian - Japanese cuisine. If you were a fan of the other Sipan located in the city's center, this one is even nicer! We love the Pulpo al Olivo and the ceviche of course.

Natural Selection

Photos: Florian Von der Fecht


About fourteen European countries could fit in Argentina and there would still be space left.

With over 210,000 acres of pristine land, Bahía Bustamante - a private farm in Southern Patagonia, is a good example of the vastness of land that Argentina is blessed with.

Upon arrival, one is enchanted by stunning views of magnificent landscapes and wildlife. The deep-blue ocean in front of you, the austerity of the accommodations which enhance the beauty of the vast, natural surroundings; the cold, crisp air that energizes. It's a gift of the Gods. Perhaps the answer to a crazy life in a modern world. The answer to a prayer for a bit of calm and connection with nature. An undisturbed view of the horizon: "look at me, I'm here" it says. Yes, Mr. Horizon, it's you that hides behind those tall buildings in noisy cities. It's you that I miss.

Bahia Bustamante is far, yes. It's also beautiful because of that. A desirable destination for those who have covered much of the world and are in search of a wonderful place to chill in peace and enjoy nature. A destination with no crowds cause nobody even knows this place exists. And, for those few lucky ones that do, know this: only 18 people are allowed there at once. Soriano, owner of the property, would like to keep it this way. He's very much into protecting the environment, and more so when it comes to his own heavenly land.

Bahia is quiet and breathtaking. It offers no more and no less than the great and simple pleasures of life: a sky full of stars, home-cooked meals, wine, comfortable lodging, beautiful sceneries, sunny mornings, penguins playing around you, attractive guanacos (kind of like a llamas) carelessly walking around; AND, when you get tired of sleeping, eating and reading, there are plenty of exciting things to do: horseback riding, kayaking, walking on the beach, or exploring the property's 65-million-year-old petrified forest.


Special thanks to: Bahia Bustamante

Around Chile

Thanks W hotel for your hospitality!
Photo #4 kindly provided by W Hotel, Santiago. Thanks!

PATAGONIA GLACIERS

Just got back from El Calafate

It was magical. I loved being there again.
My favorite things were BIG ICE, picnic next to the icebergs and dinner at Los Sauces.