Brain foods to increase brain power

Best brain foods which increase brain power

Did you know that you can give your brain the right brain food to make it function at its optimal level? Yes, you can. Your brain is one of the most important organs in your body. The proper functioning of the different parts of your body depends upon the brain. It is therefore important to give your brain the right nutrition that it needs. Brain foods help your brain to function at its creative best. How to provide your body with the right food that is well balanced and meets all the needs of your brain is what is discussed here. Your brain needs a regular supply of four elements to ensure that the body is healthy. They are oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen. These elements are found in the foods that we eat. Fats are high in carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, water has hydrogen and oxygen and proteins are rich in nitrogen. In a nutshell we need water, proteins and fats.

Brain power foods - Natural and organic

Our diet today, especially the diet of an average student, contains high amounts of fats, sugars and starch. Anything in excess is not good; excessive amounts of sugar can cause damage and interfere with the functioning of your brain. You need to cut down the sugars in your diet to a large extent if you want your brain to function well. Our brain is made up of neurons which need glucose to power it. Yes, you need sugar, but the right type of sugars. You also need fats that are good for your general health and for the health of your brain. The processed foods that we consume today are too high in starch, fats and sugar and they do the body more harm than good. The best sugar for your body is from raw, organic fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidant - protection and health for the brain

A diet that is rich in berries will not only provide you the right sugars but are a rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your brain cells from oxidation and damage by free radicals. It has been proved that antioxidants help promote the growth of brain cells and slow down ageing. Goji berries, blue berries, strawberries, cranberries, mulberries and any berry that is rich in color is a great sources of antioxidants. Acai berry has been bandied around as the berry that is most rich in antioxidants. Dark chocolate or chocolate high in cocoa is a great antioxidant; it also releases dopamine and enhances your mood and cognitive skills.

Brain food to improve reasoning and memory

Beta carotene in foods is said to improve reasoning and memory. Vegetables that are bright in color especially yellows and oranges are rich in beta-carotene. Dark leafy green vegetables are also high in antioxidants and beta-carotene.

Fruits and vegetables like carrots, broccoli, oranges, cantaloupes, tomatoes, mangoes, papaya, red, yellow and green peppers are not only rich in beta carotene but also contain natural sugars.

Best brain food - The right fats for your brain

Foods that are rich in omega fatty acids are what pack power into your brain. These help in promoting the growth of new brain cells and learning new concepts. They also have anti - inflammatory properties. These prevent strokes, improve blood circulation and are great mood enhancers.

Foods that are rich in Omega fats (HDL or good cholesterol) are avocados, sprouted grains, blue-green algae and nuts or oilseeds. All nuts, especially walnuts, are excellent for your brain. They boost the serotonin levels in your brain, help in maintaining emotional balance and also improving your capacity to retain information. Raw, unprocessed, organic olive oil and coconut oil are excellent for your brain. Similarly flax seeds and fish rich in Omega fatty acids like salmon, Mackerel, sardines are also excellent brain food. These fats keep the nervous system functioning smoothly by improving your balance and coordination. Omega fatty acids help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Brain Foods for renewing brain cells and preventing degeneration of the brain

Amino acids in proteins are the basic chemical building blocks of life. They are extremely important for proper brain functioning. The body is able to make nonessential amino acid from nitrogen, carbon, oxygen and Hydrogen present in the foods. The essential Amino acids are directly got from our diet. Nitrogen required for synthesizing nonessential amino acids is found only in proteins. Egg yolk, liver, milk, kidneys, cheese, brewer’s yeast, nuts, soybeans and germinated cereals contain good amounts of amino acids and nitrogen.

Folic acid prevents the degeneration of your brain cells and keep your nervous system healthy. Folic acids also help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. If you want your brain to be functioning well, make sure that you have your fix of spinach or any dark, green leafy vegetables, okra, asparagus, lentils, black beans, sunflower seeds, black eyed peas, etc.

Vitamins A, B, C and E are also needed for good brain functioning. Apart from this, your brain also needs magnesium to help keep your memory and your critical thinking strong while slowing down the process of ageing.

Water for brain health

Throw the carbonated drinks out! your brain needs water and plenty of it. Did you know that a good drink of fresh, clean, pure water can help your brain perform much better than the cup of coffee that you crave for? Your brain is 85% water. It is important to drink at least two to three liters of water to be alert, more so when you are studying or preparing for an exam.

Natural foods to increase brain power

There are many supplements that are available in the market today that are touted as excellent brain food. Most of them, however, have not been researched for their side effects or even their effectiveness. Wouldn't it be better to invest in good quality organic foods that are closer to nature, without having to fear any side effect? At the same time you could be sure of one thing - that you are eating right.

Common sense will tell us that what is good for your body is good for your brain too. Your brain needs exercise as your body does, keep solving puzzles or crosswords or problems in math etc to keep it fit. Also pump your body with good, organic foods and water and you will be functioning at your brainiest best!!