Food for Thought : The best food for your brain !!!
We have all heard the saying - You are what you eat. The same applies for brain too. Your brain does all the work for your body, so it needs more energy than any other part of your body. Improper and insufficient intake of food may affect your memory, concentration and thinking capability. So try to eat more of these foods that are known to boost your brain health:
- Proteins - Eggs, red meat, chicken, fish, cheese, yogurt, milk, legumes, grains, beans and seeds
- Fruits such as apple, banana, apricot, orange, melons and berries – especially strawberries and blueberries
- Green, orange and red vegetables especially Spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots
- Soy foods like soy beans, soymilk
- Nuts - especially almonds, walnuts and peanuts
- Olive oil - Olive oil contains antioxidants, reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Wheat germ and safflower oil is also good
- Drinks - Grape juice is very good for the brain. And milk shakes of soymilk, apple and banana are also equally good
- Whole grains and brown rice
- Dark Chocolate: It is a great brain food, but it should be taken in moderation. Hot cocoa is really good for the brain
Here are some important tips for proper functioning of the brain:
- Never skip your breakfast. Breakfast eaters have a quicker and better memory compared to those who skip their breakfast. Skipping breakfast reduces your performance at school and at work. So, always remember to eat breakfast, no matter how much hurry you are in.
- Always include an egg Omelette in your lunch along with salad. Eat a yogurt dessert as well.
- There should be a steady supply of glucose throughout the day to maintain your eneregy levels. But avoid junk food, and highly processed food like cakes and pastries.
- Always include fish in your diet. Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and is low in saturated fat. It helps regulate the normal functioning of brain.
- Eat five to ten servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and Veggies are rich in antioxidants that help keep the brain healthy.
- Eat plenty of iron-rich foods. Iron helps transport oxygen to the brain cells. Good sources of iron are lean meats, beans, and iron-fortified cereals.
- In addition to eating well, be sure to take plenty of rest, and limit your stress levels.