Brain Stimulating Foods
Given that a balanced diet is always the key to your overall health, you can pay a bit more attention to what you eat to affect your mental functions and your ability to learn and include the brain stimulating foods in your diet.
Intelligence and memory are not only fed through teaching or training, but especially with what you have on your plate. But a diet designed to boost the brain makes sense only if it is accompanied by regular exercise, good sleep and a daily brain exercise..
Now let’s have a look at some of the best brain stimulating foods:
Fresh fruits and colorful vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins which help fight stress and fatigue, which indirectly help concentration and brain health. Sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, carrots, turnip greens, mustard greens, lettuce and pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene, which is a pigment that is converted to vitamin A once absorbed by the stomach. Vitamin A is used to clean up your body, especially your head as well as attacking the free radicals that damage your cells. Be careful not to boil or overcook your vegetables as they may lose their brain boosting virtues. Steam or stir fry for a few minutes instead.
Chocolate.. As your brain likes and glucose or sugar, you shouldn’t be depriving of it. Moderation and being sensible is the key here. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Many of us absolutely love it. Theobromine and theophylline are two substances that make chocolate an excellent brain stimulant. The higher the cocoa content in chocolate, the higher the content of these two substances.
Fatty fish are your main providers of Omega -3 (both DHA and EPA) , which are essential for the functioning of your neurons and memory. For a brain in good form, you must include them in your diet at least twice a week: Sardines, salmon, mackerel and herring.
Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates , B vitamins, iron and zinc : Grains, especially the ‘complete’ grains have the components you need for the brain. Beware of cookies and other industrial pastries. They are packed with saturated fats and additives that are enemies of your brain. Have breakfast cereals that are low in sugar and high in fiber, wholemeal pasta, brown rice, wholegrain bread and more.
Honey (but real honey)- just like royal jelly or propolis gives you a feeling of well-being and good levels of concentration. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins B and C and minerals.
Green tea is full of catechins, which happens to be a powerful antioxidant. Consumed in moderation, it is very beneficial for alertness, concentration and memory.
Guarana is also known to promote alertness. The Amazonian Indians use also for its anti-stress properties, anti-fatigue and stimulant to the nervous system . But it is also rich in caffeine, so do not overconsume guarana.
Rosemary contains flavonoids that promote blood circulation of the brain and has stimulating properties for attention and memory . So sprinkle some rosemary on your meals.
Dairy products are good for protein, calcium and vitamins B2 and B12. B2 is good for the brain function, B12 is great for the intellectual development. So include milk, yogurt and cheese regularly in your diet.
Dried fruits are a source of concentrated energy, also rich in minerals such as zinc. However, zinc deficiency may be the cause of learning, thought and memory problems. Have some dried fruits- apricots, raisins, sultanas, dates and mixed nuts in your breakfast cereal or during the day to help keep your neurons at the top of their abilities.
Enemies of Brain
Saturated fats take up the first place on the list of enemies of the brain. They are mostly found in meat, cream and butter: fats of animal origin. But the enemies are hidden more in your lifestyle and your environment than what you eat: Tobacco, alcohol, drugs and pollution by pesticides and additives. Finally , beware of any deficiencies in your diet as they may affect the functioning of your brain.
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