The food we eat has a huge impact on our everyday brain functions. While we’ve always known that what we eat affects our bodies and how we look, scientists are also learning more and more that what we eat takes a toll on our brains. Our bodies really do not like stress and when we are stressed out, our bodies release inflammatory cytokines.
These chemicals prompt the immune system to kick in and fight back against the stress through inflammation, as though stress is an infection. Although inflammation helps protect us against illnesses and repairs the body it has also been linked to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, anxiety, high blood pressure and more.
Our gut helps keep our body’s immune responses and inflammation under control. Additionally, gut hormones that enter the brain or are produced in the brain influence cognitive ability, like understanding and processing new information, staying focused on the task at hand and recognizing when we’re full.
Boost your Memory and Focus with these Top 10 Foods for the Brain!
1. Avocados
Packed with the good kind of monounsaturated fat that our brain needs, as well as Vitamin K, Folate, Vitamin B and Vitamin C.
2. Blueberries
High in antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Eat them everyday to protect your brain from stress.
3. Dark Chocolate
Packed with Flavanols, which have antioxidants, and helps improve blood flow to the brain. Choose a quality of Dark Chocolate that is over 70% cacao.
4. Coconut Oil
This is like the highest level of fuel you can give your brain. It’s currently being used to treat patients with Alzheimer’s.
5. Broccoli
Keep your memory sharp – Broccoli is high in Vitamin K, Vitamin C and Choline.
6. Rosemary
Carnosic acid, one of the main ingredients in rosemary, helps protect the brain from Neuro-degeneration.
7. Turmeric
An anti-inflammatory super spice that also improves your brain’s oxygen intake.
8. Beets
High in antioxidants, Beets are the most nutritious plants you can eat for your brain.
9. Celery
Celery contains high levels of antioxidants and polysaccharides that act as a natural anti-inflammatory for the brain.
10. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This is truly a brain food, containing powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols that can also reduce the signs of aging.
Conclusion?
Brain food is rich in antioxidants, good fats, vitamins and minerals provide energy and aid in protecting against brain diseases. So when we focus on giving our bodies whole, nutritious foods benefiting both the gut and the brain, we’re actually benefiting our minds and bodies.
Having a nourishing, well rounded diet gives our brain the best chance of avoiding disease. If your diet is unbalanced for whatever reason, you may want to consider a multivitamin and mineral complex and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to help make up a few of the essentials. If you are considering taking a supplement it is best to discuss this with your GP or qualified healthcare professional.
Resources: Power of Positivity – www.powerofpositivity.com – Dr. Axe – www.draxe.com – BBC Good Food – www.bbcgoodfood.com – Readers Digest – www.rd.com
