Keeping your brain fit
Did you know memory, well-being and brain power can all be influenced by what you eat? No, these are not magical foods, just sensible choices with brain benefits. Here are a few suggestions to increase your brain activity, improve your brain power and stay smart:
Eat more Carbohydrates in diet
As Enzyme dietician Jonathan Fontaine puts it, Carbs are a unique source of energy that can directly be used by the brain, which uses up half the carbs consumed in one day.
Where to find them?
All flour-based foods contain carbs. They can also be found in fruits, honey, molasses, cereal, dairy products, beans, potatoes, green peas, corn, sweet potatoes and rice.
Eat more Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Fontaine reveals that Omega 3 fatty acids, specifically the DHA (docosa-hexaenoic acid) type, are good fats used by our bodies to build and maintain the cells of our central nervous system.
Where to find them?
In fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, scallops, mackerel and trout. Eggs, yogurt, bread, and cereal bars are also sources of DHA.
More Iron
Iron transports oxygen throughout the body through our blood; and our brain needs oxygen to function properly. What’s more, it seems that in children, iron deficiency may be related to ADHD and learning disabilities. So don’t take the power of iron for granted!
Where to find it?
You can find in spinach, lentils, tofu, broccoli, brussel-sprout and meat. Iron can be found in most animal products. Whereas the organs are concentrated sources, all types of meat are a great source of iron. And there is no need to devour a steak when you’re craving chicken or turkey. The difference in iron content between red and white meats is minimal.
Coffee and Water
Caffeine has short-term benefits on the brain, offering better performance and helping to sharpen concentration. All you need is about a half-cup of coffee, so drink in moderation! Where water is concerned, dehydration actually tends to reduce the volume of water inside our brain cells. Often when we find our brain power decreasing, it could be a sign of dehydration,” concludes Fontaine. So drink water as much, and as often, as possible!
Coordination exercises
Which hand do you normally use to control your computer mouse? Whichever one it is, try holding the mouse with the opposite hand. Challenging yourself daily by trying to complete everyday tasks in a novel way creates new neural connections in your brain, and strengthens existing ones. The idea is to step out of your routine, and teach your brain a new skill in the process. Here are more examples in the same vein:
- Brushing your teeth using the opposite hand;
- combing your hair using the opposite hand;
- eating with the opposite hand.
Engaging your mind.
In the spirit of stimulating the brain through novel experiences, engaging in new activities, not only tasks or exercises, promotes mental acuity through the formation of new nerve connections. Some ways to engage your brain include:
- Yoga;
- chess;
- modeling clay;
- reading;
- crossword puzzles;
- bingo.
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