The brain is the most important part of our body, aside from the heart. It is capable of extraordinary wonders.
Without taking proper care of your brain and nourishing it with brain food, you may face neurological disorders such as dementia and Huntington’s disease.
Brain food not only reduces your risk of neurological disorders, but it also increases the longevity of your brain, boosts creativity and makes your memories last!
Next time you feel hungry, consider getting these foods just for your brain:
1. Hydration: Given that your brain is roughly 80% water, the first rule of creating a peak state of optimum creativity is proper hydration.
According to the article, “Human Water Needs” published in Nutrition Reviews, a minimum daily water intake of 3.7 L for adult men and 2.7 L for adult women will meet the needs of the vast majority of people. Strenuous physical exercise and heat stress can greatly increase daily water needs, and the individual variability between athletes can be substantial.
2. Fish or Fish oil: Oily fish such as sardines and salmons have a tremendous amount of omega-3. Studies have shown that omega-3 is necessary for a healthy brain. If you do not ingest fish on a regular basis, consider getting fish oil.
3. Blueberries: Blueberries are able to prevent oxidative damage that slowly damages the brain. It also lowers the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
4. Whole-grain: The best and most natural way to provide energy for your brain. What’s more, it decreases the risk for heart disease, as well as enhancing blood flow to the brain.
5. Avocados: Not only are avocados great sources of anti-oxidants, high in good monounsaturated fats, they are also a great source for your daily dose of vitamin E. Research has shown that vitamin E can soften the red blood cells, which increases circulation by improving blood flow. Spinach, nuts and seeds are other good sources of vitamin E.
6. Green Tea: Green tea is also good for brain function and thus promoting creativity as it contains chemicals that enhance mental relaxation and alertness.
Read this article on why you should be drinking more tea!
7. Exercise: Exercise boosts creativity by increasing oxygen flow to the brain; An increase in oxygen is always accompanied by an uptick in mental sharpness. Exercise helps circulate the nutrients to all your organs, including your brain.
Exercising outside also exposes you to the sun which provides you with the much needed vitamin D (sunblock impedes this process). Laboratory studies suggest Vitamin D protects neurons and reduces inflammation.
Besides eating these foods for just for your brain, they are also highly nutritious for the rest of your body. Remember, if you don’t support your brain by giving it the food it requires to function properly, your brain may deteriorate and so will the rest of your body.
“Creativity Takes Courage.”
~Henri Matisse