Healthy Foods for Brain Function
Blueberries, Salmon, Nuts, Avocado and other Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Certain foods have been found to improve brain health and function. This article names and explains the benefits of each.
In a book named Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods Proven to Change your Life, Steven Pratt MD (the author) discusses ways of bolstering brain health, via simple dietary changes. He explains that of all the tissues and organs in our body, the brain is most susceptible to damage from free radicals. As we age, our bodies grow old with us. The trick is to keep the brain functioning smoothly, throughout our life. The following foods are, according to Dr. Pratt, will help do just that.
Berry good
Blueberries it seems help in several ways. Dr. Pratt states that studies done on rats, by various animal researchers, show that blueberries help slow done the oxidative stress that is found in the brain. This in turn can help to relieve diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Further studies showed that learning and motor skills improved in rats given the blueberries. Ann Kulze MD, author of Dr Ann’s 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss & Lifelong Vitality, recommends that 1-cup of blueberries a day, taken in any way or form, will provide these benefits for individuals.
Go fish!
Another food item to include in one’s diet is wild salmon. These fish are rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which are needed for a healthy brain. Omega 3 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory elements, which help protect the brain. Although there are other fish that are available with these fatty acids, salmon is preferred due to its cleanliness and low toxicity level, as well as its abundance. It also costs less than other fish. One four ounce serving 3 to 4 times a week is recommended.
Go nuts!
Nuts are high in vitamin E, which helps do decrease memory loss as we age. It’s recommended that we eat 1 ounce a day. In general, all types of nuts in any form provide this benefit. However, the ones that are best include walnuts, peanuts, almonds and non-hydrogenated nut butters. For those with hypertension, non-salted nuts are best.
Guacamole
Avocados are filled with fat. That’s the good news! The fat in monounsaturated fat and it helps to promote a healthy blood flow. Better circulation makes for better brain function.
Avocados also help to lower blood pressure, which in turn can help to improve cognitive abilities. Ann Kulze MD, recommends eating a quarter to half cup a day only, due to its high fat and caloric content.
Good Stuff
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is chock full of antioxidants to protect the brain. It also contains substances that are natural stimulants, such as caffeine, that help improve focus and concentration. Chocolate also stimulates the production endorphins to enhance and improve overall mood. Dr. Kulzer suggests no more than 1 ounce a day is needed for its protective benefits.
Other foods mentioned in Dr Pratt’s Book include freshly brewed tea, beans, citrus fruits, pomegranates and whole grains. All these foods will help protect the brain as well and consistent use of all these foods will provide the maximum benefit achievable.
