What to eat for brain health | Kimberley Wilson

We often think about food in terms of weight, heart health or energy. But what about our brains? In this episode of In Good Taste, I sit down with Kimberley Wilson, psychologist and author of Unprocessed, to explore how what we eat shapes our brain, our mood and our mental health. From the nutrients our brains are built from to the impact of ultra-processed foods on how we think and feel, we unpack the science behind brain health in a way that’s practical, grounded and rooted in real food. We also talk about why we treat mental health differently from physical health, how modern diets may be leaving our brains undernourished and why cooking still matters more than we think. If you’ve ever wondered what your brain actually needs from your diet, this episode will change the way you think about food. HERE'S WHY IT MATTERS • The brain is the most energy-demanding organ in the body • What we eat directly affects mood, focus and long-term brain health • Modern diets are often low in essential nutrients for the brain • Ultra-processed foods can displace the nutrients we need most • Cooking and whole foods still play a key role in how we feel and function WHAT WE COVER • What “brain health” really means • Why we separate mental health from physical health • The gut–brain connection • Omega-3s, iodine, magnesium and key brain nutrients • The impact of ultra-processed foods on nutrition • The importance of early life and preconception nutrition • Why cooking is still a vital life skill • Brain-friendly foods like leafy greens and berries • Practical ways to support your brain through food ABOUT MY GUEST Kimberley Wilson is a chartered psychologist specialising in the relationship between nutrition and mental health. She is the author of Unprocessed and works at the intersection of food, brain health and behaviour, helping people understand how diet shapes how we think and feel. ABOUT ME I’m Mallika Basu, food writer, adviser and spice lover, on a mission to make food matters accessible, joyful and useful for food lovers. Author of two Indian cookbooks, my new book In Good Taste: What Shapes What We Eat and Drink — and Why It Matters is out now. SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW Instagram: / mallikabasu LinkedIn: / mallikabasu YouTube: / @mallikabasu Newsletter: https://mallikabasu.substack.com Email: ingoodtastepod@gmail.com