The human brain has an incredible ability to adapt and react and make new connections and pathways. With the right kind of stimulation and the right kind of mindset, you can reshape your brain. A healthy lifestyle and a good diet will help you unleash the power inside your brain.
The type of foods we eat impacts the chemical messengers (called neurotransmitters) in the brain. Without the right amount of food “fuel” these chemical messengers can either create a sense of focus, and well-being or confusion and despair.
8 Foods That Feeds Your Brain For Proper Function
Spinach
Nitrates can also be found in spinach, increasing blood flow to the brain and improving mental performance. In addition to preventing or delaying dementia, the nutrients in spinach can also aid in preventing cancer cell and tumor growth.
Coconut oil
Our bodies are well-oiled machines, with our brains made up of 60% fat. Low levels of fats in food can contribute to depression, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Incorporating good healthy fats into the diet, even moderate amounts of saturated fat like coconut oil, can help in raising good cholesterol levels, weight loss, and combat dementia. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and has been linked in helping prevent the onset of these brain disorders.
Turmeric
Turmeric, the spice that gives curry its color, contains a chemical called curcumin, which research has shown to boost memory and stimulate neurogenesis, the process of creating new brain cells. Curcumin may also calm inflammation of the brain, which is the primary cause of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Berries
Berries are full of memory-boosting nutrients. Research has shown that beneficial chemicals called ellagatannis in raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are also found right in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory control center. Blueberries also contain proanthocyanins, which gravitate toward the striatum, which is more closely related to spatial memory.
Omega 3 oil
Omega 3 oil is vital for the brain. Your daily requirements can come from fish, flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds , kidney beans. Omega 3 oil is commonly taken as a supplement, however, when you eat the foods you also gain the extra vitamins and minerals from that food.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is an anti-oxidant powerhouse. Dark chocolate is one of nature’s most concentrated sources of theobromine — a mild, natural stimulant which helps to keep us focused (different to caffeine and does not strongly stimulate the central nervous system). It also contains Phenylethylamine (PEA) which releases endorphins, our natural feel-good chemicals helping to lift our mood.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant which may protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s.
Pumpkin seeds
When I crave a crunchy snack, I reach for pumpkin seeds instead of pretzels or crisps. Just a handful is packed with protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Both seeds and oil are rich in zinc and fatty acids. Either raw or roasted, they’re nature’s perfect snack that promotes healthy skin, improves your brainpower and protects against diseases such as high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis and cancer.
Reference taken from:
http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2011/1/feed-your-brain/page-01
http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/brain-foods
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/3489596-181/foods-that-feed-your-brain
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