The Foundational Components and Elements of Plant Foods for Neurological Nutrition and Well-being

In the contemporary milieu, conventional "medicinal supplements" are increasingly perceived as an unhealthy approach. Instead, the embrace of "food supplements" by the masses is gaining traction. An accumulating body of evidence underscores the crucial role of specific nutrients and compounds within the diet in maintaining the health and optimal functionality of the nervous system. Plant foods, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, among others, are acknowledged for their potential in preserving cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, and deterring neurodegeneration, thereby promoting overall nervous system well-being. Research indicates that various bioactive constituents present in plant foods, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and dietary fiber, exhibit significant efficacy in ameliorating underlying conditions such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, while also impeding the disruption of neurovascular coupling, thereby conferring superior neuroprotective effects. Clinical and epidemiological investigations consistently affirm that adopting a balanced dietary regimen substantially reduces the incidence of nervous system disorders, concurrently bolstering nervous system resilience and vitality. The nutritional components inherent in plant-derived foods hold substantial application and developmental potential, with the exploration of their efficacy promising novel insights for the treatment of neurological ailments.

The objective of this Research Topic is to investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of dietary phytoactive compounds, including edible mushrooms, condiments, Chinese herbal medicines, fruits, and nuts, in addressing neurological disorders such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. The neuroprotective properties of these phytochemicals have been shown to directly impact the nervous system, thereby inhibiting the onset and progression of neurological conditions. Additionally, they contribute to maintaining nervous system homeostasis and safeguarding neurological health through indirect mechanisms, such as inflammation inhibition and cardiovascular protection. This Research Topic endeavors to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by advocating for a healthy dietary regimen and judicious intake of dietary constituents to mitigate the risk of neurological disorders and enhance neurological well-being.

Articles on themes of interest include but are not limited to:
• The protective effect of antioxidant-rich plant foods on the nervous system
• Effects of flavonoid supplementation on neurodegeneration
• The effect of adopting a healthy diet pattern on neurological function
• Exploration of the role of phytonutrient intake in maintaining neurovascular coupling and protecting nervous system health
• Study on the protective mechanism of polyphenolic compounds on the nervous system
• Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of antioxidants for oxidative stress-related neurological disorders
• The inhibitory effect of dietary fiber on neuroinflammation and its possible mechanism of action
• The ameliorating effect of dietary nutrients on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and secondary neurological diseases
• The role and mechanism of phytotrophic supplementation in daily diet in maintaining nervous system vitality

Keywords: Neurological Nutrition and Well-being, Plant Foods, dietary substances, Neurological or neurological-related diseases, Major or minor elements

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