Feed Your Brain With Food By Colleen Palat At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Most of us all assume that the older we get, the more forgetful we become. But did you know that forgetfulness does not necessarily have to happen?

Studies have found that older people forget more often when they are expected to. For example, in China, older people score great on memory tests: and in this culture, they are never told how forgetful they are.

Studies are showing how important our food intake and a proper diet actually are in maximizing our potential and brainpower. Good, nutritious food has the ability to sharpen thinking by helping the cells of the nervous system function properly.

A good diet positively affects the operation of brain-related enzymes, helps get rid of cellular waste, and helps to nourish the structure of brain cells. Proper nutrition and a healthy diet also can help to regulate vital chemicals that aide in a variety of mental processes and influences the amount of oxygen and energy that is delivered to the brain.

How should I eat?

What we eat, and even when we eat has an effect on our brainpower. How many of us have skipped breakfast in the morning only to feel mentally slumped throughout the day? Breakfast, in my opinion, is THE most important meal of the day as it plays a critical role in jump-starting the brain after a long sleep with no nourishment.

It has been found among school-aged children that those who skipped breakfast made significantly more mistakes in their schoolwork than those who ate a good breakfast. This also applies to adults and their work.

Breakfast is vitally important: just make sure you are eating the right foods. Sugary breakfasts with little nutritional value will not help your brain during the day. In fact, they can make you feel sleepy, cranky, and all around yucky! Make sure to select healthy
breakfast foods.

What should I eat?

Stay away from refined sugar, simple carbohydrates, and processed foods for maximum brainpower. Low-fat, healthy whole-foods, vegetables, and fruits are all great choices! Here are some especially great nutrients that can help give your brain a boost:

Choline: Choline is imperative in manufacturing the memory nerve chemical acetylcholine. The body makes some, but by adding brewers yeast, egg yolks, peanuts, liver, and wheat germ, you can possibly improve your memory and get more out of your food.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, and E can block free radicals from damaging the brain cells and can even help to ward off Alzheimer's disease. Broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, oranges, kiwi, prunes, and sweet potatoes are all wonderful choices in boosting your antioxidant intake.

B Vitamins: B vitamins play a big role in nerve and brain function. Boost your intake by adding chicken, collard greens, oranges, salmon, and low-fat milk into your diet.

Iron: Iron helps to carry oxygen to the body. Chicken, enriched cereal, and lean red meats will help your body get the iron it needs.

Herbs: Ginkgo Biloba and Kava both have the ability to improve your memory and provide clear thinking.

The old saying, "You are what you eat" may hold a lot of truth when it comes to your brain. Eat processed, sugary foods and your brain will respond slow and unclear. Eat healthy, whole-foods, and your brain will be sharp as a tack!

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