Article Created by: Rita Created On: 2009-03-26 08:52:03
Brain-boosting Food
We know that the foods we eat affect the health. Not to forget that, health is a combination of physical and mental health. There is no sense in having a healthy physical body, without having a healthy soul or mind.
We all must agree that mood, motivation and mental performance are powerfully influenced by diet. If we give our brain the right nutrients, we will be able to think quicker, have a better memory, be better coordinated .Increase your mental agility and improve your memory by choosing the right food .Food is our fuel for life
There is a wide debate as to whether it is better to be a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian. Some of them say that animal protein n fat and all that is healthy and necessary as a brain food, but a human acquires all necessary nutrients which important for brain from vegetables and fruits . However there is a worldwide trend of more and more people are becoming vegetarians.
Vegetarianism is a popular choice for many individuals and families. But parents may wonder if kids can safely follow a vegetarian diet and still get all necessary nutrients for brain. Most dietary and medical experts agree that a well-planned vegetarian diet can actually be a very healthy way to eat. Many studies have proved that a proper vegetarian diet satisfies all the nutritional requirements of all stages of our life where this not possible by non veg foods. Hence we can say vegetarian food is good for body and mind.
According to Ayurveda, the foods we eat directly affect our brain function. According to some spiritual teachers meat remains in our body for 48 hours and hence they cause more problems than benefits. This makes the mind dull. Vegetarian diet necessarily equals a healthy one for brain.
Vegetarians also argue that one of the advantages of diet is that it gives them more energy, so that they are overall more physically efficient and even sleep better. The result will not help so much to increase the mental acumen, but rather it will be more effective for your brain.
What is known is that the bulk of foods proven to have a positive effect on brain power are vegetarian: blueberries, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, tomatoes and garlic are all excellent brain foods. Good food choices (such as eating fruit, vegetables and seeds) definitely influence brain function and cognition.
The three most important key brain foods to boost your brainpower and keep your brain healthy are nutritious food, water and oxygen:
“Increase your mental agility and improve your memory by choosing the right foods “
What are the best vegetarian sources for brain?
Here is a list of different types of food that we can add to our diet, their effects, and how they function:
Beans
Beans are high in vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. It can be cooked and eaten in a variety of ways. The brain is depended on glucose for fuel however it cannot store glucose beans one of the sources who stabilize glucose level. Beans like pintos and kidneys are the good source of Omega-3 fatty acid.
Whole Grains
The best brain stimulating foods whole grain food, they help the mind grow. Grains like whole wheat, wheat germ and bran that contain a high percentage of folate . Make sure you’re eating whole grain breads, cereals, barley, popcorn, in your daily diet. Because they can boost your blood flow. Every organ in the body is dependent on blood flow… especially the brain. Whole grains have B-vitamins for a healthy nervous system and fiber to help regulate glucose release.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are the brain-boosting super foods to be used in moderation. Cashews, almonds, pecans and peanuts can enhance your mental health in its own way. Cashews are high in magnesium, and they are known to open up the blood vessels in your body. Don’t forget more oxygen-rich blood: better brain function.
sunflower seeds are high in thiamine, an important B vitamin .The other important pumpkin seeds are also a power food, rich in many nutrients including: Zinc, Vitamin A and E, and Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.Wich helps to increase and enhance the memory and thinking skills.
Berries
Studies show that diets rich in berries, and most specifically blueberries, greatly improves learning capacity. Blueberries are also known to reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. Blackberries, raspberries and strawberries are also extremely high in brain-boosting benefit.
Green Tea
Cups of fresh-brewed tea count toward this brain hydration requirement. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants found in green tea that help the brain and body run smoothly by maintaining a supply of our body’s fuel: glucose. Green tea contains some of the chemicals that enhance mental relaxation and alertness which is especially good for brain function.
Dairy food
Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese provide carbohydrates, protein, and B-vitamins that help to increase mental energy, brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes. Yogurt helps improve alertness and memory. Dairy foods are also rich in calcium and calcium rich food helps to improve the function of nerves.
Chocolate Dark chocolate contains so many natural stimulants, including caffeine, which enhance focus and concentration, and also helps to improve mood. This is the one food which is incredibly delicious and incredibly good for your brain.
Meat Alternatives
If you are vegetarian need not to worry, there are many meat alternatives, such as soy and black bean burgers, are high in iron - the same important mineral for mental function that provides by the meat.
Water Yes, Water is technically not a food. However it is must for smooth functioning of the brain. Nearly three fourths of the brain is water, and a primary rule of brain nutrition is hydration. Drink pure water and plenty of it - at least eight glasses daily.
Important things to remember
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables daily
Include nuts and seeds regularly
Choose whole grains like beans and brown rice, rather than refined foods
