When you think of food the few words that come to your mind instantly are weight, fat, calories and other similar attributes related to your body. Over the years a lot has been said about food you should eat and not eat, healthy eating, its effect on your body, how it helps you keep fit etc. While watching the food you eat is essential to remain physically fit, here is some food for thought.
Considering the hectic lifestyle we live and the daily stress we undergo, the brain also requires the right nutrients and food boost to keep it going. You may have noticed that there are days you just don’t feel ‘on top of your game’, or cannot concentrate on work. This is most likely because your brain is drained out of vital nutrients. The brain controls a large number of functions on a daily basis and therefore, like the body, needs right nutrients to make it work efficiently.
Moreover, our brain and body age simultaneously, therefore we notice that as we grow old we tend to forget easily, our memory fades and concentration becomes slower. While Asians ensure to feed their young ones with nuts and other brain boosting ingredients, this is essential for adults too. By making smart food choices, we enhance the brain function and are able to conserve our precious gray matter more.
While, you may have probably heard of common “brain foods” like pomegranates, blueberries, dark chocolate and nuts – there are many other foods that offer a number of brain-boosting powers. Below are 5 super food for the brains:
Za’atar: A favorite amongst the people of this region, this spice mixture is a blend of sesame seeds, sumac, oregano and thyme. It is extremely good for the brain as both oregano and thyme contain a compound called carvalo, which boosts the brain cells.
Chicken: Yes this may surprise you but it is true. Commonly known for being high in protein, chicken is also a great dietary source of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as choline. All of these play an important role in brain health and neuroprotection.
Quinoa: This protein-rich super food contains all the essential amino acids, especially lysine, which plays a key role in regulating stress and anxiety. It also contains antioxidants and a small amount of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Chia seeds: They are rich in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, antioxidants and calcium. While carbohydrates, fibre and calcium do not help or hinder memory, antioxidants and omega-3 certainly boost brain power. Antioxidants are known to increase blood flow to the brain which improves memory. Omega-3 fatty acids keep your brain free from plaque and help brain cells communicate with one another.
Flax seeds: Like chia seeds, flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids too. Specifically it is high in a type of omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which has been strongly linked to brain health.
