Food For Thought…Literally

Scaling / June 10, 2013 / Kristie

Coffee can be our best friend in the morning and is a nice way of flicking the ‘on’ switch in our brain. In an interesting article from Thirdage.com lists the Seven Foods That Help You Think. So if you’re at your max for cups of coffee per day, and still want a way to speed up the sparks between neurotransmitters, try incorporating some of these foods into your diet:

1. Fish – Fish is full of Omega-3 fatty acids which help with brain function and has been proven to enhance memory. If you’re like me and don’t like fish (with the exception of sushi…Mmmm sushi), there are also Fish Oil supplements that you can take 🙂

2. Bananas– Bananas have been proven to enhance memory due to being high in potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and fibre. They also contain Vitamin B6 which enhances the production of serotonin and dopamine, and helps you concentrate as well as making you happier! More bananas= (better memory + more smiles) 🙂

3. Coffeeeeee! – There are so many things to love about coffee. It tastes great, pairs lovely with anything chocolate flavoured, enhances memory, energizes, and has been proven to enhance long-term memory for women (for men… well you will just have to continue to rely on Daylite to remind you of your meetings and appointments)

Popeye-raising-spinach

4. Spinach – Popeye had it right! Spinach is one of the healthiest leafy greens there is. Full of antioxidant, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12, it’s spinach to the rescue to help increase concentration and reduce the risk of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

5. Berries– Not only are berries delicious and great for smoothies, they are also antioxidants and they can help to improve spatial memory and learning. So if you’re like me and have a terrible sense of direction, try incorporating more berries into your diet. You can even combine some of these brain foods like throwing in some strawberries in a spinach salad.

6. Ginkgo Biloba- Known as the ‘brain herb’, ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to the brain, which increases the nutrients being brought to your brain and results in better concentration and improved memory. Ginkgo biloba is derived from the ginkgo tree, so your best bet on where to get some would be from a health food store in capsule form.

7. Whole Grains– Last but not least, whole grains are a brain stimulator and help with memory because they are full of fibre and vitamin B6. Whole grains help with blood flow to the brain as well as blood circulation through the brain. Some great sources of whole grains are quinoa, brown rice, oatmeal and popcorn. So next time you’re at the movies, grab a bag of popcorn, it may help you to remember that hilarious line from your favourite scene.

Having a well balanced diet is key to keeping your brain on it’s toes (so to speak). The more nutrients you put in your body, the more nutrients your brain absorbs. While I can’t promise that eating a spinach salad with berries and fish will automatically result in a genius idea, eating healthier foods will help to improve the way your brain functions. And a happy brain will thank you in ways such as remembering and digesting information better.

 

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