Brain Food

Brain Controls all our functions and responsible for memory, behaviour  and concentration etc. It is metabolically active and require various nutrients for its proper functioning neurons are the functional units of brain . They communicate with each others profusely Via synapses where various neurotransmitters (Chemicals) are secreted. By modern research it is clear that various foods have varied effects on our behaviour , thoughts process, and right food and/ or the natural neuro chemicals that they contain can enhance mental capabilities, help us to concentrate, can fine tune senses, motor skills, keep us motivated, increases memory, concentration, decreases stress perhaps even preclude brain aging. So it is thought that we can increase memory, boost mental health by choosing the right food. Following are some food that are supposed to be beneficial for brain.

Fish and Fish oils- Omega-3 fatty acid found especially in cold water fishes are required for cell membrane and also they can decrease the formation of artherosclerosis. Brain cell must constantly refresh themselves for which they need omega-3 fatty  acids. It has been found that adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acid can decrease the chances of dementia enhances memory, decreases stroke risk and enhances mental activity.

Eggs- They are rich in protein Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acid, Db. Vitamins, may help preclude inflammation and may aid in the new brain cell formation.

Tomatoes- It contain Lycopene, powerful anti oxidant, can protect from harmful effects of reactive free radicals (super oxide O3 Hydrogen peroxide etc.) thus keep brain healthy and protect from Alzheiemer’s disease, which is most common cause of dementia in old age.

Grape Fruits- They are rich in Vitamin A, B, C one feels. Refreshed and alert, if consume then regularly oranges and lemons can also have similar effects.

Seeds- Many seeds can boost mood and brain power. Tradionally water melon and musk melon seeds are known as to enhance the memory, and power. Sunflower seeds contain tryptophan an vital amino acid that brain convert to serotonin which is neutral way to relieve mild depression and wakefulness high in thiamine (Vitamin B1) which can increase memory and cohnitive function.

Nuts- Tradionally all nuts are considered food for mental health but especially almonds and walnuts are considered to enhance memory concentration and mental capabilities. Now it is thought as nuts are excellent source of vitamins anti oxidants and can halt the cognitive decline due to aging.

Glucose- Glucose is ready made and only source of energy for the brain. Low level of glucose in blood can lead to unconsciousness or even death, so glucose can keep brain active, alert.

Avacdado- Butter fruit (Goshtus) are rich source of vitamins anti oxidants. It can decrease the bad cholesterol increases brain blood flow.

Dark Chocolate- Coeos contain flavanol epicatechin an strong anti oxidant and consuming it can improve memory. But one must not eat lot of commercial chocolates which large amount of simple sugars.

Ginseng- Now it is used to sharpen focus increase concentration enhance memory attention span widely. It is available as capsules (Revital)

Berries- Berries especially blue berries are found to increase learning capabilities and decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Caffeine- Every  one knows the caffeine in coffee can make one mentally alert. But it should be consumed in limited amount.

Ginko Biloba- Anryveda considered to improve memory and mental functions. It can increase carination and oxygen delivery to the brain. It also contain anti oxidants which can protect the brain from harmful effects of free radicals.

In my opinion there is no magic food which can improve the brain functions. To keep brain healthy one must eat plenty of whole grains like pop corn, whole wheat preparation whole grain cereals pulses, rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Eat variety of fruits and vegetable including green leafy vegetables to blue berries to tomatoes to sweet potatoes. Anti oxidants and other chemicals found in fruits and vegetable help to curb free radicals that damage cells, while neuro chemicals keep brain healthy. One should avoid junk food. Beside the food to keep brain healthy one should have adequate sound sleep, should exercise, meditation, Now it is proved that one need to challenge the brain to keep brain healthy and to improve its functioning.

Thanks,

Health, Sep-2012