Viridian Nutrition has joined forces with the not-for-profit Food for the Brain Foundation for a series of initiatives to raise awareness of how diet and healthy habits can play a positive role in supporting brain and cognitive function, with health stores playing an active role.

The Viridian Upgrade Your Brain UK tour, led by author and Food for the Brain founder Patrick Holford and supported by Viridian, will be held in conjunction with health stores across the country during May.

Each seminar will see Holford share advice on how to approach mental health, in particular cognitive impairment, and why prevention is better than cure. A social media drive will also educate consumers on the key nutrients and lifestyle tips for brain health.

Commenting on the campaign, Holford, whose new book is entitled Upgrade Your Brain, says: “There is a mental health breakdown with rising levels of ADHD, autism, depression and dementia. We know that less sugar and carbs, more omega-3, B vitamins and vitamin D and also more antioxidant rich foods massively reduces risk, as does an active physical, social and intellectual lifestyle. These are all relatively easy to change. The challenge, and the reason why we welcome working with Viridian through health food stores, is to motivate people of all ages to make diet and lifestyle changes at any age to protect their brain health both now and in the future.”

“health stores are the right places for the Upgrade Your Brain tours as they are in the heart of communities and champion positive lifestyles”

Aimee Benbow, Viridian’s nutrition director, adds: “Your brain health matters, no matter your age, therefore it’s essential to nourish your mind now – not just in later life. Nutritional deficiencies have been linked to conditions affecting brain health. The good news is there is significant evidence to show how nutrient intake and specific herbs can support good brain and cognitive function. Alongside this, it’s important to eat a balanced diet, adopt lifestyle changes or healthy habits, and to supplement to help fill nutritional gaps.

“We are delighted to be working with Food for the Brain on this education tour. We believe that that health stores are the right places for the Upgrade Your Brain tours as they are in the heart of communities and champion positive lifestyles to promote wellbeing.”