1. Caffeine Alerts, Energizes, Helps in Focus and Concentartion.
Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you short term energy boost. Caffeine stimulates the brain and the nervous system. The antioxidants in coffee prevent free radicals from causing cell damage. Recently a study from Brazil found that children who drink coffee with milk each day are less likely to have depression than other children.
2. Glucose Enhances Alertness
Glucose is the brain s fuel source. Glucose, which the body metabolizes from the sugars and carbohydrates offers a short term boost to memory, thinking processes, and mental ability. The brain lacks fuel stores and hence requires a continuous supply of glucose. But too much sugar can harm your memory as well as other parts of your body.
3. Fish
Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, important for brain function and development. These healthy fats have amazing brain boosting power: higher dietary omega 3 fatty acids are linked to lower dementia and stroke risks; slower mental decline; and may play a vital role in enhancing memory, especially as we get older. Researchers also tell us that children born to women who consume foods with higher doses of omega 3 significantly raise their IQ while in the womb.
For a healthy brain and a healthy heart , enjoy two servings of fish weekly.
5. Nuts and Chocolate
Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is associated with slower cognitive decline as you age. Dark chocolate also has powerful antioxidant properties, and contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which enhances focus and concentration. Dark cohocolates cointains flavanol that dilates the arteries and improves blood flow.
Allow to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate in your daily dietary intake to provide all the benefits you need without excess calories, fat, or sugar.
6. Avocados and Whole Grains
Every organ in the body depends on blood flow, especially the heart and brain. Eating whole grains and fruits like avocados reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and enhances blood flow, offering a simple, tasty way to excite the brain cells.
Whole grains and whole wheat also contributes dietary fiber and vitamin E, while avocados have the good monounsaturated fat that contributes to healthy blood flow.
7.Blueberries Are Super Nutritious
Research in lab rats shows that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age related conditions such as Alzheimer s disease or dementia. Studies also show that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats. Bluberries are rich in anthocyanins which helps to slow or even reverse mental problems associated with age.
Water
Yes, plain water. Brain tissues are 85 percent water it should not surprise us. Fruit juices without added sugar are acceptable substitutes.
Good nutrition not only can keep your body healthy but also your brain. Research after reserach has shown that good dietary intake coupled with physical exercise can do wonders to our mental fitness.