You may have seen it floating in a jar of formaldehyde in science lab, and your mom always told you that drinking alcohol or smoking pot can kill its cells. Your mom was talking about your brain, of course! She usually went on to say something like, "Eat fish. It's good for your brain power." You should've listened to your mother–she may be right.
Your brain is your body's command center. It controls everything your body does. It's like the caller in a square dance, "Here we go, move your arm. Dosey doe, left, right, walk." This means you've got to take care of yourself and your brain.
Many studies over the years have proved that certain foods can help to boost your brain power–keeping it healthy and making it possible for your body to dosey doe (when necessary). Boost your brain power and eat these foods. It'll be good for your brain.
Fish
This may sound like something you'd hear in a science fiction movie, but your brain has DHA. It just so happens that fish also contains a lot of DHA, which is a form of omega-3 fatty acids. Don't get grossed out. This is actually good for you.
Recent studies have proven that a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids create a healthy emotional balance and positive mood in your brain. And while nobody wants to see you in a bad mood (scary), researchers also believe it may help to prevent emotional problems at later stages of life (a.k.a the Golden Years)–depression and memory loss (like that associated with Alzheimer's).
One Harvard study proved that those who had a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to get Alzheimer's. So get out your tackle box and head to your favourite fishing hole. At least pick up some fish from your local grocery store or fish market and chow down on some fish, people.
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Blueberries
You may want to sit down for this news. Your brain has free radicals in it. If you're a liberal, you may be elated by this news. Conservatives, not so much. But don't worry, it's actually radicals in a good way because these radicals get rid of the toxins in your body. So say it with me, "Go Radicals."
But just like too many violent protesters can lead to tear gas, police batons, and riot gear, too many free radicals in your brain can impair your cognitive skills.
Eating fruits and vegetables like blueberries (and other dark coloured fruits and vegetables) that contain antioxidants help to control the amount of free radicals in your brain–keeping it balanced and healthy (warding off the riots in your head).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture also suggests blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, spinach, raspberries, plums, avocados, oranges, red grapes, cherries, and kiwis as foods rich in antioxidants.
Water
While you may think of it as a drink, your brain considers it food. Just like most of the Earth's surface is water, 80 per cent of your brain is made up of water too.
If your brain doesn't stay hydrated, it gets stress out, which can cause damage over time. So drink plenty of water (at least 84 ozs. per day). If you just can't stomach the stuff, then try green or herbal non-caffeinated flavoured hot or cold tea.
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Broccoli
Just like eating fruits help to produce antioxidants to help keep your free radicals in check, the same holds true for dark coloured veggies.
Broccoli is but one of the many veggies you can eat to help your brainpower. Brussels sprouts, beets, red bell peppers, and cauliflower (even though it's white) are also on the list.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
By no means am I suggesting that you drink olive oil, but you can cook with it.
Research has shown that what's good for your heart is good for your brain
too. So cook up your meals with EVOO (as Rachel Ray would say), it's good for you.
Like there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, there are good fats and bad fats. Good fats like EVOO, avocados, olives, salmon, and raw nuts are good for your heart and help to stimulate your brain too.
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Nuts
The protein in nuts, eggs, lean meat, poultry, soy, dairy products, and beans give your brain energy, which gives your body energy. Snack on your favourite nuts and it'll help your brain from going nuts.
Eating healthy isn't just about keeping your body fit and trim. Eating the right foods also keeps your brain in good shape. So put down the high fat foods and munch out on some protein, veggies, and fruits. Wash it down with plenty of water and you’ve just fuelled up your brain for powerful thinking, a sharp memory, and a lifetime of good brain health.
This feature has been sourced from David B Bohl's SlowDownFast . David is a lifestyle mentor, educator and author. He prefers the simple life, relishing his role as a coach after frenzied years in the stock exchange and as an entrepreneur.
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