The brain is the most amazing part of the entire human body. It acts as the main drive the body. In other words, the brain controls all the body functions and no one can do without it. Obviously, you cannot live well without brains, you cannot do anything without your mind and therefore the brain requires extra care and treatment as problem affecting the brain affects the whole body.
A Little About the Brain
It is important to note that the brain uses a lot of energy to be able to accomplish all its functions efficiently. It regulates how the functionality of the body is carried out whether it is breathing, movement, blood circulation, circadian rhythm and every other body activity done consciously or unconsciously.
The wholesome health of the body is important for keeping your brain healthy as well. When the brain is in perfect condition problems associated with memory and cognitive functions are also eliminated. Memory related conditions mainly occur if you have heart problems or diseases that directly affect the brain. One of the most common problems are low immunity and inhibited blood circulation. The Superfoods discussed below will mainly help in blood circulation, reduces oxidants in the body and protect you against major diseases like cancer, high or low blood pressure and major heart diseases.
1. Oil-Based Salad Dressing
These include peanut butter, seeds and nuts, whole grains, vegetable salad dressings that contain cholesterol free oils. They are rich in vitamin E. The vitamin E in this case is a potent oxidant that aids in neurons and nerve cells protection. When the neurons in the brain start to die, they jump-start the cascade of events hence loss of memory. This is the Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Sea Proteins
These are rich in omega 3 fats including docosahexaenoic acid that aids in the normal functioning of the neurons in the brain. Constant consumption of seafoods ensures less consumption of red meat that contains fats that clog the arteries. These seafoods include salmon, mackerel, tuna and tilapia fishes.
3. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
These vegetables contain vitamin E and folate. These nutrients lower the levels of homocysteine amino acid in the blood. This acid when in high concentration in the body, it stimulates the death of nerve cells in the brain. The folic acid reduces these amino acids by breaking them down. Best greens to eat include kale, collard, spinach and broccoli.
4. Whole Grains with Dark Chocolate
When whole grains are included in the diet they reduce the risk of cognitive impairment that leads to the Alzheimer’s disease. They contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. They inhibit oxidative stress and vascular related conditions like high or low blood pressure that increase risk of brain diseases. Chocolate is best for improvement of moods and is full of antioxidants. Flavours used in chocolate are good for blood circulation that is important for memory and cognitive function. Whole grains are found in foods made from millet, oats, whole white and sorghum.
5. Peanuts
It is important to understand that peanuts contain high amounts of healthy, low saturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. These keep the brain functioning properly and healthy. They are good in the prevention of many forms of dementia. This is done by protecting the brain from free radicals. They also increase brain power. You can take the peanuts or use peanut butter. Other nut like the almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts are also good sources of vitamin E and healthy fats.
6. Avocado
We all love this one. When present in the market we do all it takes to get a share. The fruit actually contains fatty acids rich in omega-3 acid that is essential for brain development and its proper functioning. It also contains antioxidant vitamins E and C that lower risk of getting memory loss associated diseases.
7. Honey
It contains most of the nutrients needed for brain nourishment. It contains proteins, vitamins, folic acid and free amino acids. These nutrients boost immunity and increase energy. This is important as it reduces stress and allows proper circulation of blood in the brain.
8. Berries
Berries help reduce the rate of age-related cognitive decline by protecting and preserving the brain’s natural “housekeeper mechanism” preventing it from fading with age by getting rid of the toxic proteins associated with memory loss. Examples of berries are strawberries, blueberries and acai berries.
9. Spirulina
This supplement is made from carrots and mainly used in anti-aging foods. It contains about nine essential amino acids and beta carotene known for great eye vision. It is also useful in improving immunity and maintaining stamina, which are all important for your brain capacity.
10. Red Cabbage and Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain powerful antioxidant called lycotene that prevents dementia and help improve mood balance. The red cabbage contains polyphenols that is a powerful antioxidant beneficial to the brain and heart. The glucosinolates compounds in this cabbage also help fight cancer causing cells.
11. Rosemary
This is one of the best means to take occasionally, or more often if you so please. The scent in rosemary helps improve the blood flow to the brain hence improving memory and cognitive function of the brain and acts as an antioxidant. Rosemary is very useful in detoxifying, energy boosting, prevent skin aging and fighting cancer.
12. Seeds
These include seeds like pumpkin, Sunflower, chia seeds and flax seeds .They are good sources of vitamin E, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, tryptophan and proteins. The tryptophan is converted into serotin by the brain for mood boosting and prevents depression. The chia seeds help control levels of blood glucose, are good antioxidants and help in body hydration.
13. Coconut Oil
It contains medium triglycerides used by the body for energy. This ensures glucose produced is only to be used by the brain. It acts as an antioxidant and helps in blood circulation in the body hence reduces risks of blood pressure related diseases as well as heart diseases. Its anti-inflammatory and prevents dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
14. Recommendation
Keeping yourself healthy by all aspects is ideal to maintaining your memory and cognitive function. You need to eat foods that will help you balance your mood hormones to avoid stress and depression. The foods above are good guideline as to the varieties that will help you in remaining healthy. It is also advisable that you also develop a good exercise habit.
Exercise helps in better blood circulation, which helps in proper supply of the nutrients given by the food you eat to the brain and other parts of the body. There are of course many more sources of memory boosting foods but those discussed above are the best and most readily available to most people.
