Aquaponics: Good for Your Brain?

Aquaponics is a relatively new gardening technology that grows fish andvegetables together.

From a gardening standpoint, aquaponics is sheer genius, creating a symbioticsystem in which fish create nutrients for the plants, and plants filterthe water for the fish. The outcome? Healthier, happier fish; healthier,happier veggies. No chemicals allowed. Oh, and because the same wateris recycled continually through the plants and fish tank, there’sno big water bill, either.

From small backyard systems to big commercial farms, people are using aquaponicsto feed their families and even their communities with organic veggiesand edible fish such as tilapia, perch, catfish, and even trout.

So what does that have to do with your brain?

Green, leafy veggies are great for your brain because they are often fullof vitamins, iron, folic acid and antioxidants, all necessary for cognitivehealth, In fact, Harvard Medical School researchers discovered that womenwho ate the most green leafy veggies (compared to women who ate fewerveggies) experienced less cognitive decline as they aged.

Plus, many vegetables are also mostly water, which helps you stay hydrated.When your brain doesn’t get enough water, it can lead to headaches,overall low energy, mental fatigue and eventually memory problems andconfusion.

And while aquaponics systems are limited to freshwater fish that don’tcontain the levels of brain-healthy Omega-3 oil found in fatty saltwaterfish, it’s still a healthy way to eat. In fact, tilapia-which do wellin aquaponics systems-are exceptionally low in calories and high in protein,offering benefits related to your overall health, heart health and healthyweight (all important factors to your brain).

Plus, a key way to keep your brain healthy and active is to learn new skills.And for many of us, learning how to grow fish and veggies together definitelyfalls into that category.

If you’re up for a fun gardening adventure, click on the images inthis blog to watch videos, or check out thisYouTube search. Aquaponics gives you healthier veggies, healthier fish, a healthier brain,a healthier heart and maybe even a slimmer waistline.

What’s not to like about that?