Categories
Nutrition

Best Whole Foods For Brain Health

Best Whole Foods For Brain Health

We have all had days where we are just unable to concentrate on anything.

There are well-run studies that have shown that there is a definite relationship between what we put in our mouths and how well our brain works.

Other studies have also shown that eating a diet high in saturated fats causes a person to feel sluggish, lack energy and focus.

Even though there is no one magic pill that we can take to help us maintain perfect brain health, there are certain foods we can add to our diet that will help improve brain function.

So: what are some of the whole Foods That Help Improve And Protect Brain Function

• Though not a food group we all know our bodies need water to function properly, medical science has shown that dehydration can cause brain tissue to shrink, as well as the fact that dehydration impairs short term memory, focus and decision making.

• Beets – Studies have shown that eating beets increase the blood flow to your brain, which, will improve brain function!

• Animal sourced food groups such as eggs, oysters or fish. have whole food nutrients that are great for brain function. Eggs are full of B-12, which helps to fight against atrophy (the natural shrinking of the brain as we age). The yolk of the egg is full of choline, which is a building block of brain cells and it has been proven that choline can help greatly improve your memory.

• Oysters are high in zinc and iron, which are vital for proper brain function. Studies have shown that a lack of zinc and iron in a person’s diet can result in poor concentration, inability to recall things that have happened, as well as many other problems throughout the entire body.

• Fish contain high levels of omega 3 and omega 3 coats the neurons in the brain allowing them to move easily. Omega 3 also allows the brain to get more oxygen, retain new information, as well as recall old information. Herring, Salmon, and Tuna are the best fish you can eat to help with brain function.

All animal-derived whole food nutrition should be sourced with the knowledge of its production methods and the ethical and environmental impact of its growth and harvesting.

Just because your nutrients come from a plant-based resource does not automatically exclude it from environmental and farming ethics. The best choices are locally grown organic in-season foods. Unfortunately, though it is not easily obtainable for a lot of people

• Berries – Berries are often referred to as superfoods because many of them contain fisetin and flavonoid, which help to improve your memory. Blueberries have been shown to help improve motor skills, as well as learning capacity.

• Nuts and seeds -Nuts and seeds are full of Omega’s 3 and 6, folate, vitamins B6 and E, all of which help you to think more clearly. Some also contain magnesium and thiamine which are great for cognitive function as well as memory.

• Leafy Greens – We all know we should eat our leafy greens every day and here is just one more reason we should. Leafy Greens contain B6, B12, and folate. They also contain high levels of iron and it has been proven that if you do not get enough iron your cognitive activity will slow down significantly. Leafy greens include kale, spinach, chard and greens.

• Broccoli – Broccoli is also a great whole food for a healthy brain. Broccoli has been proven to improve memory, as well as slow the ageing process of the brain.

While not a fully comprehensive list of food Choices For Brain Health and the antioxidants that help protect brain cells from damage. Antioxidants can be found in

• Berries: Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Goji Berries, Mulberries, Boysenberries and Cranberries.
• Red Grapes
• Mangos
• Oranges
• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Cantaloupe
• Green, Red & Yellow Peppers

These foods contain Folic Acid that helps to prevent brain cell degeneration, and so you lose fewer brain cells.

• Okra
• Collard greens
• Asparagus
• Black Beans
• Romaine Lettuce
• Spinach
• Lentils
• Black-Eyed Peas
• Sunflower Seeds

Sources of Essential Fatty Acids

Processed food, as opposed to whole foods either have none or have had their essential Fatty acids removed to prolong shelf life. But, essential fatty acids, including, EPA/DHA and Omega-3 are important for the health and development of the brain because they reduce inflammation and support cell regeneration.

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Herring
• Mackerel
• Tuna
• Flaxseeds
• Walnuts
• Soybeans
• Tofu
• Chia seeds
• Hemp seeds

Final Thoughts

Adding whole foods to your diet that are healthy for your brain is a great way to help prevent degeneration as you age, as well as help you focus on your tasks right now. If you are having trouble concentrating, try adding some of the mentioned foods to your diet and enjoy optimal brain and overall health and wellness.

Diet is not a one size fits all solution, indeed diet solutions are a billion-dollar industry that is prone to popular myths, fads and misinformation competing for the spotlight and the money prize.

It is also important to note that a diet that is comprised of whole foods, and one that eliminates processed products and junk food has a vast amount of other health benefits.

If you can grow your food, or support a local grower and become more aware of the consequences of the choices you are making you will see a positive difference to your own life and contribute to the overall health of the planet.

Any information that gets put out by our Free Radicals channels has the intention to promote a sense of self-sovereignty, conscious decision making, and to challenge the existing paradigm that surrounds ageing and the expectations of health and vitality as it is fed to us via industry narratives that want you to be dependent on pills and potions instead of natural longevity through the best whole foods for brain health and active lifestyle choices.

You are welcome to join in any conversation, on the facebook page, Youtube channel, website or if you have any questions just drop us an email.