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. Without the presence of mind power, we cannot perform any of our physical functions. However, the human brain is subject to deterioration if not properly taken care of and this is more likely to result in memory loss and other memory-related issues. In order to prevent this from occurring, it is crucial for an individual to understand the importance of mind nutrition.
Many researchers have shown that the food you put on your plate plays a significant role in the increase and decrease of your intelligence as well as its overall facets including concentration, attention span, emotional response, problem solving and mood. 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. While there are nutrients that could boost brain functions, there are also "anti-nutrients" that you should be aware of that could significantly cause the speedier deterioration of your brain, these includes refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup, food allergens, damaged fats, toxic minerals, food chemicals like synthetic preservatives. These anti-nutrients are usually contained in junk food, take-out meals and fried food.
Accordingly, in order to improve brain function, eating natural food products partnered with regular exercise is always the best option. As a matter of fact, fruits and vegetables have phytochemicals such as antioxidants and anthocyanin that improves memory and other functions of the brain. These phytochemicals combats free radicals in the body, which are the primary contributors for memory loss and aging. As free radicals often provide our body cells with excessive oxygen that are pointed out as the culprit for the development of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Cancer and Cardiovascular diseases, phytochemicals also provides our bodies and brain with enough protection to safeguard us from these diseases. Some of the most notable memory food in the form of vegetables and fruits are spinach, egg plant, onion, cherries, soy, apples, grapes, broccoli and red beets.
Other than vegetables and fruits, herbs are also acknowledged as powerful sources of improved mental energy and capacity. Modern clinical studies have shown that the four G's which include gingko, gotu kola, panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng have the power to enhance concentration, alertness, aptitude and intelligence. These four herbs also contain substances that increase the activity of the neurotransmitters of the brain. Other notable brain herbs include rosemary which is regarded as the plant of memory, sage which is a cure for failing memory, and passion flower which reduces anxiety and improves overall mood.
Another memory food that could be of help to the brain is fish. Fish contains high levels of choline and omega-3 fatty acids, substances that are directly linked to brain functionality. Choline which is a form of B-vitamin is known to have positive effects on the center of human brain memory called hippocampus. Meanwhile, omega-3 acids which are usually contained in fish oil helps the proper formation of brain nerve cell membranes and also increases membrane fluidity, thereby enhancing moods and mental behavior.
Food is a crucial element that promotes premium health for both the body and brain. Hence, if you wish to maximize your potential, it is therefore imperative that you provide your brain with the right mind nutrition. 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 are becoming forgetful, perhaps it's about time that you change your diet, for if not your brain functions might deteriorate.
A great memory could help you in many aspects of your life especially with your education and career. In order to enhance your memory, it's imperative to provide your brain with right mind nutrition that is best provided by memory food and brain herbs. You are what you eat; hence, if you're feeding on nutritious meals, you would certainly improve the condition of your brain and overall health.
Published July 29th, 2010
Filed in Health
