Mind Nutrition: Feeding Your Brain The Right Food
The human brain is a vital part of our biological system that helps us carry out our daily activities. The absence of mind power would make us unable to perform our physical functions. Without proper care however, the human brain is subject to deterioration over time, which often leads to memory loss and other memory problems. In order to prevent this from happening and to keep the brain vibrant, it is important emphasize mind nutrition.
One scientific study after another has shown that you can increase your intelligence, concentration, attention span, emotional response, problem solving, mood, and all the facets of your intelligence by simply changing what goes onto your plate. Hence, it is advised that one should consume meals that contain superior mind nutrition made up of balanced sugar (NO high-fructose corn syrup) and essential fats to fuel the mind, phospholipids to enhance memory, amino acids to improve the condition of brain neurotransmitters, and vitamins and minerals to keep the brain in tune. However, while there are nutrients appropriate for your brain, there are also "anti-nutrients" that could damage it, which includes refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup, food allergens, damaged fats, toxic minerals, and food chemicals. Almost all of which are found on junk food, take-out meals and fried food.
Going natural and regularly exercising are always good ways to improve brain functions. In fact, it has been well proven that fruits and vegetables have phytochemicals like antioxidants and anthocyanin that could boost memory and other brain functions. The aforementioned phytochemicals combat free radicals, which are the main cause of premature aging and memory loss. Nonetheless, as free radicals provide unnecessary oxygen to our cells, they often cause the rise of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Cancer and Cardiovascular diseases; hence, aside from aging phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables protects us from these deadly diseases. Well known memory food taking the form of vegetables and fruits includes spinach, egg plant, onion, cherries, soy, apples, grapes, broccoli and red beet among others.
Other than vegetables and fruits, herbs are also acknowledged as powerful sources of improved mental energy and capacity. Modern medical research has shown that herbs that belongs to the four G's--gingko, gotu kola, panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng contain substances that could enhance concentration, aptitude, alertness and intelligence. These four herbs also contain substances that increase the activity of the neurotransmitters of the brain. Aside from the four mentioned herbs, other noteworthy brain herbs include rosemary which is considered the plant of memory, sage which aids in curing failing memory, and passion flower which is noted for its ability to reduce anxiety and improve moods.
Fish is another memory food that improves brain condition. Fish contains high levels of choline and omega-3 fatty acids, substances that are directly linked to brain functionality. A variant of B-vitamin, choline is noted for its stimulation and positive effects on the hippocampus, the center of brain memory. On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids usually found in fish oil are noted to help in the proper formation of the brain nerve cell membranes and membrane fluidity, thereby improving moods and mental behavior.
Food is an essential element that could be treated as the major recipe to achieve good body and brain health. As such, if you would like to maximize your potentials, it is suggested that you give emphasis on your mind nutrition by eating healthy and balanced meals. Remember, if your brain is satisfied it becomes your wealth as it is only then that could function properly to help you perform all your physical activities. If you're becoming forgetful, chances are, the food you eat is the culprit for such memory lapses; hence, if you want to maintain your memory and ensure it would last for the years to come, it's about time to make changes on the food you eat as well as your lifestyle.
The brain is subject to deteriorate if not properly taken care. If this happens, a person is more likely to suffer from memory loss and other memory-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. To avoid these from occurring, it is essential to give emphasis on mind nutrition. Knowing what your brain needs such as providing it with memory food and brain herbs could definitely boost your memory and heighten its power.
Published July 29th, 2010
Filed in Health
