Maintaining a healthy diet is important not only for physical health, but also mental wellbeing. Research states that eating for brain health enhances brain function and prevents common cognition disorders. Consumption of power foods helps in improving cognitive function, memory growth, enhances decision-making ability, mental response time, and mood. Antioxidants and other nutrients present in power foods help protect the brain. Moreover, these foods provide essential fatty acids which contribute in stimulating and strengthening brain cells. Including these healthy foods in the diet can improve mental focus and protect the brain’s health.
Foods for boosting Brain’s Power
Consuming foods that improve mental health is very important for everyone. It can easily be said that consumption of healthy food can lead to a wholesome life. Parents must make sure that they provide their children the below mentioned food products for their overall physical development.
Salmon and Tuna: Salmon and tuna contain healthy fats, which are vital foods for the brain. These fishes provide natural oils full of Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA. Eating these fishes leads to stimulation of brain cell growth. Moreover, they improve mood, reduce stress, which in turn improves cognitive ability. Also, the Omega-3s in salmon and tuna helps fight cognitive and memory disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Olive Oil: Having many health benefits, olive oil is a popular choice among many dieticians and health experts. Also, it is a key ingredient to enhance brain functioning. Being an excellent source of polyphenol, it acts as a defense shield for the brain. Many antioxidants in olive oil improve brain functioning and reduces risk of brain-related diseases. It also helps in battling disorders like depression and dementia. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, olive oil intensifies healing process and improves overall health.
Soy: Soy is a power food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, much like salmon and tuna. It is also rich in lean protein and contains iron which is an essential nutrient for overall health and brain function. Deficiency in iron can lead to deterioration in memory, attention span, and learning ability. Individuals can opt for edamame, tofu, and soy-based protein, which can help support brain cells, improve memory, concentration, and help in learning quickly.
Almonds and Walnuts: An important add-on to a healthy diet or an excellent snack is almonds and walnuts. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, strengthening brain cells and improve cognitive function. They also contain antioxidants and vitamin-E, which protect the brain from the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It has been found from research that people following a high vitamin-E diet show reduced risk of dementia to around 70%.
Eggs: When it comes to both physical and mental health, eggs play the role of a powerhouse. Power packed with nutrients, eggs help the brain in many different ways. Choline, an important compound present in eggs, helps in shaping the chemical make-up of the brain’s neurotransmitters and improves brain function. In addition, cholesterol present in eggs helps form brain cell membranes and powers the brain’s cells and structures. Moreover, eggs contain several antioxidants, protein, and healthy fats, which play an important part in protecting the brain.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is also a popular health food among many. It provides various benefits to the brain. The fats present in coconut oil break down into ketones, which is then used by the brain for energy. Coconut oil helps in reducing free radicals that can damage brain cells and affect cognition. It also provides saturated fat, which contributes in improving brain function, protect the brain, and reduce risk of neurological disorders.
Green Leafy Vegetables: These food products are essential for the brain as they are rich in nutrients that strengthen the brain, enhance its functioning, and protect it from damage and diseases. The brain remains supercharged with the intake of diet rich in antioxidants, Omega-3s, healthy fats, irons, and other nutrients. It also protects us from several neural disorders.
Daily Exercise and Healthy Food: A Perfect Combination
Routine exercise helps reduce insulin resistance and inflammation, and stimulate the release of chemicals that improve the health of brain cells. It also induces growth, abundance, and survival of new blood vessels in the brain. Moreover, exercise improves mood and sleep, along with reducing stress and anxiety. According to studies, it is observed that people who exercise have greater control thinking and memory, in contrast to those who do not.
It has also been proven that if people engage in a regular program of moderate intensity exercise for six months or a year, they may experience increase in the volume of certain brain regions. Eating healthy food and performing regular physical activity can work wonders for the human body. It ensures proper blood circulation and smooth functioning of other processes in the body.
