Memory
loss, loss of cognition, brain fog...these are all conditions that can be
improve by eating a healthy diet. If you want to take the steps to improve your
brain function then try consuming the following foods.
1. Coffee
Coffee
improves mental acuity, memory and thinking. The dark bean also is rich with
antioxidants and helps maintain physical brain health. Coffee also
lowers the risk of developing diabetes and cancer. It is a diuretic and mild
laxative that can prevent the kind of foggy thinking caused by toxic bowels.
Coffee
is most effective taken hot, black and without sugar, cream or other
additives. The stronger and darker the bean, the more enhanced the
effect will be.
2.
Dark Chocolate
Dark
chocolate contains caffeine which is thought to play a role in maintain mental
sharpness and brain function. Chocolate is also rich in flavonoids,
a class of antioxidant that improves blood flow and grain health by regulating
cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.
The
higher the cacao content of the chocolate, the better. Just two small squares a
day should provide you with beneficial results.
3.
Walnuts
Walnuts
are full of heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory components and provide an
excellent source of alpha lineoleic acid. This acid helps promote
blood flow, which in turn helps promote the expedient delivery of oxygen to the
brain. This sustains brain function, including cognitive function.
Walnuts
can be enjoyed as a snack, in breads or even ground up and added to smoothies. Walnut
oil can be used as a salad dressing.
4.
Wheat Germ
Wheat
germ is a rich vegetarian source of choline that helps the brain produce
acetylcholine. This is a neurotransmitter that boosts memory. Wheat
germ also has B vitamins and plenty of fibre, which is good for balancing blood
sugar.
Wheat
germ can be added to cereals, cookies, granola and baked goods. You can also
whirl it raw into a smoothie in a blender.
5. Goji
Berries
The
high antioxidant content in Goji berries supports brain function. Compounds in
Goji berries fight narrowing of the arteries and supply the body with generous
amounts of choline, which is an essential nutrient that combats Alzheimer’s
disease.
No
special preparation is needed to eat either the dried or the raw form of the
berry. The reason they are sold mostly dried is because the raw
berry is very delicate and sometimes does not survive shipping.
The
raw berries may be sold on branches or with stems to preserve their freshness
in which case it is suggested you separate the fruit from the stem before consuming.
6.
Soursop
Soursop
is a large green fruit with a creamy, fleshy white interior. It is a native of
Central and South America and tastes like a hybrid of banana, strawberry,
orange and pineapple.
Soursop
is a powerhouse of nutrition. It is full of B vitamins, vitamin C, Calcium,
Iron, protein and healthy fats and carbohydrates. It has all the fuel that your
brain needs to run smoothly.
Soursop
promotes a general feeling of well-being by boosting your energy and improving
your outlook on life. The fruit is also, anti-bacterial, antifungal, It is a
known anti-depressant and also has sedative properties that can help put you to
sleep.
This
is an exotic superfruit that is mostly found in exotic Asian markets. It is
eaten sliced in chunks. Do not eat the seeds. It mixes well in a
smoothie.
7.
Blackberries
Blackberries
contain proanthocyanins that once ingested, gather in the striatum part of the
brain that governs spatial memory. They also contain ellagatannis
that once ingested, rest in the hippocampus, which is the brain’s memory
control center. The generous amounts of C, E and beta-carotene also
help disarm cell-damaging free radicals that might circulating in the system.
Blackberries are best eaten raw. Eat a cup a day to receive the
most benefits.
8. Cherries
Cherries contain C0x2 inhibitors, which is exactly what you also
find in many powerful pain-killing medications such as Vioxx and Celebrex. They
also contain polyphenols that also clarify the blood so that it is not choked
with cholesterol or toxins.
Cherries are best eaten raw. Eat a cup of cherries a day for best
results.
9. Oatmeal
Every organ in the body is dependent on good blood flow or you are
at risk for narrowing of the blood vessels and the challenges that can bring
the brain. Eating whole grains, such as oatmeal promotes the vascular and
cardiovascular health needed to keep you thinking clear. Oatmeal
also contains vitamin E and Omega 3’s that can keep your thinking clear.
Eat at least one serving of oatmeal a day for best results.
10. Water
It may be challenging for some to see water as being a superfood
but when it comes to maintaining your brain function it is a very important
ingredient to be ingesting on a daily basis. When a person becomes dehydrated,
brain tissue you shrinks and that can impair cognitive memory over both the
short and the long term.
Most adults need to drink at least eight glasses of water a day in
order to preserve their brain function.
For more information or to book a consultation about anti-aging,
diet and weight loss programs or any health issue you may be experiencing,
visit the Pinewood Natural Health Clinic website that has a list of full
services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office
at (416)-656- 8100. We also have an office in Pickering,
Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us
at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any
question that you have about our holistic health services.
