Keeping your brain healthy can mean a number of things. At a simple level, it can mean eating healthy, energizing food so you can get through an exam or work meeting. But when you think about it at the long-term level, it could mean preventing brain tumors, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and a number of other problems that can happen to the brain. And eating healthy for the brain doesn’t mean having a healthy snack every once and a while when you think you need it. It means eating healthy throughout your entire life to build up brain health. Here is a list of the best foods you can eat to boost your alertness, concentration, performance and brain-health in the long term.
1) Salmon. They are an oily, cold-water fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids. The more omega-3s you eat, the better your brain capacity, alertness and concentration will be. Salmon also contain vitamins and minerals that prove to be good for the brain.
2) Complex Carbs. They can supply the brain with the energy it needs to function optimally. Small-carb snacks are the best for this, because a large meal that contains lots of carbohydrates will just make you sleepy. But it is known that quality carbohydrates can increase your brain power, so eat them before a big test or conference.
3) Dark Fruits. Dark fruits contain more antioxidants than other fruits. Antioxidants protect brain cells from oxidization that could cause dementia. Examples of dark fruits to eat are blueberries and raspberries.
4) Leafy Green Veggies. B-vitamins are extremely important for the brain because they help to maintain the nervous system. It is also known that they can improve memory and alertness. Leafy green vegetables are great sources of B vitamins, so focus on your broccoli and spinach.
5) Beans. Beans are another great source for B vitamins and a number of other nutrients that can prove to be helpful for the brain.
6) Nuts. They are a great source for healthy fats, like omega 3s and omega 6s. Most of them contain vitamins and minerals that can boost brain power as well.
Our food choices affect everything that has to do with our brains. This includes our moods, sleep habits, thought processes, memory, concentration and more. Our brain affects every part of our body and is therefore one of the most important organs to provide nutrition to. If you eat healthy, it will prove to be helpful in all of your daily activities, and more. You will be more energized, able to concentrate better and will be in an overall better mood. A healthful diet in the long-run can prevent several devastating brain problems. So if you want to live a long, fulfilling life it would be best to follow a healthy diet!
Brianna Elliott is a third year dietetics student and has grown a passion for nutrition through her years of studying. She thinks it’s important to teach people about brain nutrition so they can live longer, healthier lives. Brianna also writes articles for a health and wellness website known as ProbioticSmart.com – a site who’s sole focus is to bring health and wellness, globally.
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