10 Foods that will NOT make you Stupid

Have you been feeling mentally exhausted lately and you wish you could just have a restart?

You must be considering looking for ways to feel mentally healthy again, using methods such as various exercises and activities, and that’s a really good beginning. What about eating the best foods for improving brain function? Have you also considered that?

You need to remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. When you think about keeping your body healthy and strong, you also must include your brain. Your brain is considered the most complex biological structure in your body, and it needs certain nutrients to remain healthy.

One of the best ways to keep your brain’s optimal health is to eat food that contains necessary nutrients. Eating certain nutrient loaded food can help improve brain function, and this is very common amongst health enthusiasts. If you are aiming for a better brain function or mental health, eating any food that you come across is not good enough.

What Important Nutrients Does Your Brain Need? 

You need to know and choose what type of nutrients your brain needs. Your brain requires both macronutrients such as fat or fatty acids, protein, and carbohydrates and micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

You may be thinking that all food containing macro nutrients is good for your brain. That is not entirely true. Not all sources of protein, fatty acids and carbohydrates will improve your mental function. That is why you should only focus on the types of foods that can help.

Protein. This nutrient is usually found in meat, poultry and dairy products. Some foods that have it can also contain an amino acid called Tyrosine which releases dopamine that affects your mood and energy levels and L-tryptophan which stimulates serotonin and boosts your mood and makes you sleep better.

Fats and fatty acids. These nutrients can also be found in meat and fish. They can be in foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce the degeneration of your brain cells and prevent you from getting brain conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. According to The Franklin Institute for Science, consuming foods with fatty acids can also reduce your risk of getting depression.

Carbohydrates, and micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Nutrients in various foods often times overlap. This means that there are foods that contain carbohydrates and micronutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins. And having these nutrients in one food at the same time helps improve your cognitive health and your mental alertness.

Ten Best Foods for Improving Brain Function 

1 Avocado.

This fatty fruit is rich in Vitamin B and C which you need to replenish daily. It also contains protein and has the lowest sugar content among all fruits. This also means that it can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk for hypertension. In case you didn’t know, hypertension can be the main cause for the decline of your cognitive abilities which is why eating avocados can help a lot in maintaining your mental health. Since this fruit also consists of a monounsaturated fat, it can help regulate your blood flow. When you have a healthy blood flow, that means you will also be mentally healthy.

2 Beets.

Beets are rich in antioxidants that fight off cancer and help you get rid of toxins in your blood. They are mainly good because they boost blood flow to your brain and thus, help you have a better mental performance.

3 Blueberries.

This super fruit is one of the highest antioxidant-rich foods containing Vitamins C and K and even fiber, which is good at protecting your brain cells from degeneration. According to Steven Pratt, MD, the author of “Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods Proven to Change Your Life”, the nutrients that blueberries possess help in protecting your brain from oxidative stress which then reduces the effects of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

4 Broccoli.

This amazing vegetable is rich in Vitamin K and choline that help keep your memory sharp.

5 Salmon.

Fish, in general, is great for the brain because it contains a good amount of protein. However, deep-water fish especially salmon is better because it is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are significant in improving brain function and they also serve as an anti-inflammatory agent.

6 Dark Chocolate.

Dark chocolates contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that also help regulate the blood flow in your brain and lower blood pressure.

7 Green, leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and lettuce.

These foods contain Vitamin A and K and can help keep dementia at bay.

8 Nuts and seeds.

Examples of nuts and seeds that are good for the brain include walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, flax seeds and sesame seeds. These foods are very rich in Vitamin E which is great for reducing cognitive decline. The more Vitamin E you take in, the lower your chances of having age-related mental conditions.

9 Beans.

Foods such as lentils and black beans contain nutrients that can help stabilize your blood sugar levels. Remember that your brain is highly dependent on glucose or blood sugar as this is necessary for fueling your brain, and boosting its energy.

10 Whole grains such as cereals, wheat bread, rice, and pasta.

These foods provide your brain with the necessary energy in the form of glucose. Whole grains supply you with glucose that is released into your bloodstream and then keep you mentally alert all day long. 

There are still many things that you can do and foods that you can eat to improve your brain function. Some are so easy that you can just incorporate them into your day-to-day activities, while some can be a little complex and need more attention, time, and effort. You can eat all the foods that are best for your mental health, you can exercise daily, or practice daily mindfulness and meditation to handle your stress in life.

If you want to stay both physically and mentally healthy and strong, all you have to do is to be more cautious of what you do. Pamper yourself and get a massage, do your exercise, eat clean and healthy, then you will achieve the best result you have been wanting to have. It’s very simple, and I know you can do it.

Good luck!

Author Bio: Stefan Rochester

My name is Stefan. My passion in life is trying to help others stay healthy and enjoy the life. With 8-year experience in healthcare, nutrition, I am providing comprehensive solutions for gaining weight, losing weight and training your stamina or consulting services that help you to have a healthy lifestyle.

from Dai Manuel: Your Lifestyle Mentor http://ift.tt/2xtcf0o