As we age one of the things that many people are concerned about, is the
quality of their focus, concentration, and memory. Having little memory gaps (or senior moments) is a common experience for many people young and old alike.
There are a number of things that you can do to help support your brain
function, to improve your memory, to help you focus and to help your
concentration. A lot of these effects come from the quality of foods that you eat.
If you're eating a lot of foods that are high in sugar, that are processed
foods or simply don't have real nutrition in them, what's happening is that
you're robbing the brain of critical nutrients that it needs for its
minute-to-minute function.
Unlike other
organs, the brain does not have a fat layer surrounding it with a reserve of nutrients.
It has to pull the nutrients it needs, second by second, out of what's
circulating through your blood now. So you want to make sure you're putting good
quality foods into your body. Some of the things that are most critical for
normal and healthy brain function isn't just a stable blood sugar; because
glucose is critical for brain function, but also, various fatty acids, the kind
of fatty acids that we find in fish oils for example, that wild-caught fish.
Things like salmon, that might be Atlantic caught salmon, wild caught salmon,
is a very good source of oils that are really good quality brain food. This
along with various trace minerals, and different vitamins are important if you
want to have quality memory, focus, and concentration. And if you forget what I
just mentioned, read the article that follows. Have a great day.
The food we eat has a huge impact on our bodies. But, does
the food also have an impact on the functionality of the brain? Well, the
edible items that we consume have an impact on the memory functions and also
determine the tendency to develop brain diseases later on. We are well-aware
that LDL cholesterol is not good for the cardiovascular systems but do you know
that research is providing evidence that it isn’t good for the brain as well.
Read on to know the types of food that are good for a healthy brain and what
are the benefits associated with them.
Why Should You Focus on a Brain Healthy Diet?
Eating well does not just correspond to physical health. Our
diet plays an important role in boosting the cognition and healthy aging. Foods
that are rich in antioxidants and nutrients like minerals and vitamins augment
the functionality of the brain and keep our bodies in shape. A Mediterranean
diet that centers on grains, nuts, fish, olive oil, veggies, berries, whole
grains, legumes, and beans help in reducing the chances of developing brain
problems.
Eating a brain healthy diet boosts memory and reduces the
risk of dementia, a condition developed due to deterioration of the brain
function. Dementia can cause behavioral and emotional changes, memory loss, and
lack of making judgments or speaking abilities. A healthy and properly
functioning brain helps in regulating our moods. If you think that you have a
poor memory, ward off slow retention by consuming a brain healthy diet.
Top Brain Foods
Grains: Our brain requires energy in the form of glucose, which can be provided by whole grains. These supply necessary levels of glucose to the blood cells slowly and gradually.Olive Oil: Antioxidants that protect the brain are contained in high amounts in pure olive oil. It is also rich in vitamin E and K that stops our mental capabilities from declining. Monosaturated fats in olive oil contain chemicals like acetylcholine that improve learning and memory functions.
Legumes, Nuts, and Seeds: Nuts prevent cognitive decline with age. Walnuts are brain boosters —they contain minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins, all of which are essential for mental health. Sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts are a good resource for obtaining vitamin E. Beans and legumes contain choline, which is a neurotransmitter that is important for maintaining a healthy brain function. These also contain magnesium, iron and folate, which are good for the neurons.
Fruits and Vegetables supplement the brain functions. Fruits like cranberries, strawberries and blue berries contain high levels of antioxidants, which prevent the damage caused by free radicals unlocked by oxidation process within the body. Berries also prevent inflammation that may cause damage to the brain cells. Green leafy and cruciferous vegetables prevent cognitive impairment. These veggies contain vitamin K, folate, carotenoid, and vitamin B-9, which help in keeping the memory sharp. Raw beets, carrots and asparagus also contain folate.
Fish is packed with a healthy amount of omega 3 fatty acids, which is known to improve memory and brain function. These fatty acids improve the vascular health. Increasing the consumption of mackerel, tuna, and salmon is also a healthy way to include proteins in diet without the adverse effects of red meat.
References
https://psychologybenefits.org/2016/04/01/can-a-healthy-diet-prevent-dementia-what-the-science-says/
http://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_prevention_and_risk.asp#exercise
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DR. JESSE A. STOFF is an internationally renowned physician with extensive credentials in clinical immunology and holistic medicine. A graduate of New York Medical College , he pursued extensive post-doctoral training including a fellow- ship at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in London , England . He has authored/co-authored countless articles and 8 books including co-authoring the bestseller "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Hidden Epidemic" and The Prostate Miracle.
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