The Best Food for Brain Power and Energy
When it comes to health, especially something as sensitive as weight loss, weight gain and brain and memory functioning, people shouldn’t rely on every other piece of information on the internet. The following points have been taken from research done by Ann Kulze MD and author of A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss and Steven Pratt MD and author of Superfoods Rx. Additionally, excerpts from BBC and Wikipedia are also a part of the article.
The brain is an essential organ of the human body. It requires food that is fit for it just like all other organs that call for an exclusive diet. The brain controls all functioning of the human body and it is essential for it to be taken care of. Brain cells start degenerating at the age of twenty! The health of the brain can be maintained up to an old age though, depending on the smart foods and lifestyle of a particular person.
Here are some foods for brain that have proved to be useful for improving cognitive functioning, memory and brain activity.
Blueberries: Blueberries contain what it takes to fight off the stress and anxiety. Stress increases the pace rate with the brain moves towards age related conditions such as the Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Where Alzheimer’s disease is genetically oriented dementia can catch anyone and at any age too. It is observed in research that blueberries improve the motor skills and learning capacity of the brain. Remember, decreased motor functioning is the first symptom of degeneration of brain cells.
Fish: The cells in the brains called neurons are the structural and functional foundation of the brain. They contain a lining made of fatty acids such as Omega 3. Fish contains Omega 3 that help the brain cells in retaining their functionality for longer period of time. Once gone, a brain cell never comes back!
Nuts/Seeds: Nuts and seeds contain Vitamin E. Higher levels of Vitamin E mean there is going to be less cognitive decline. So if your diet is imbalanced and you are not taking a good amount of Vitamins that is required by your body, go for a vitamin supplement or complex.
Avocados: Though they are fatty, and a large amount in daily diet is not good when it comes to cholesterol concerns; Avocados keep the blood pressure lower and help the brain maintain its cognitive functioning because a higher blood pressure conveniently means lower cognition.
Whole Grain: Whole grain such as wheat, barley, oatmeal and porridge contain fibre and Vitamin E. Their use improves the blood flow to organs including the brain. This prevents the risk of stroke or hemorrhage and improves brain functioning as there is better flow of oxygen and nutrients via blood.
Beans: Glucose is the fuel for brain. When a person is hypoglycemic or fainting he is fed with liquid sugar as soon as possible. Beans help in stabilizing the glucose level in the body. A high level can lead to diabetes and a low level can be dangerous for the functioning of organs.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain lycopene and it protects the brain cells against damage. Brain cells can’t recover from damage. They are only created once and will not be replaced once gone. Tomatoes also contain a high level of oxalates so an imbalanced intake could be bad for the kidneys leading to kidney stones or precipitation of salts.
Pumpkin Seeds: A deficiency of Zinc is known to lead to hair loss and emotional disturbances but a diet deficient in Zinc can also deprive you of enhanced memory and better developed thinking skills. A couple of pumpkin seeds taken daily as a part of your diet will let the essential amounts of Zinc enter the body and do their work.
The brain is something that is usually taken for granted while making up diet plans and deciding what to eat and what not to take in. However, the whole functioning of the body including effectiveness of diet plans depend on better brain functioning. It is therefore of significance that you don’t deprive your body of the food that is particularly required for the better functioning of your brain cells, whether you are a teenager or an oldie nearing seventies. Therefore, if you are taking an imbalanced diet, consider the use of multivitamins and mineral complex to provide yourself with nutrients required. Like every organ in the human body; the brain also requires food for brain
Image credit: daynamore
