Feed Your Brain As Well As Your Body
Here’s a thought for today; if your body isn’t getting the right food and nutrients it needs to function properly, then can you really expect your brain to respond efficiently when it’s really needed to?
I’m guessing you’ve never really thought much about this, but perhaps you should because the benefits can be huge.
It’s been my observation that some people spend more money and time selecting a healthy diet for their pets, or even choosing the right engine oil additives for their car than they do choosing the food for their own bodies!
Your brain is nourished by the foods that you eat, so if you’re constantly eating an unhealthy diet then not only does your body slow down, but so does your brain function too. Often this comes on so slowly it’s not noticed until you’re elderly, and then the blame usually falls on the aging process.
As the brain ages, the memory fades and it begins to lose the ability to repair itself. It becomes an easy prey for oxidation and inflammation, which can kill the brain cells. To lead a healthy and productive life, it’s imperative to maintain your body and your mind so that both are functioning efficiently.
Of course, you also need to exercise, keep your blood pressure in check, get proper rest and recreation, and at least seven hours of sleep at night. If you smoke, you should consider stopping, and concentrate on a diet rich nutrients that will repair and maintain both brain and body. Supplements can be taken, but it’s preferable to rely on natural foods to obtain the best and longest lasting results.
We can learn a lesson here from plants. They produce their own antioxidants to protect themselves from diseases, pollution and other harmful elements in the environment. So, we should ingest foods that are rich in antioxidants such as fruits and berries including grapes, cherries, apples, plums and oranges. Blueberries and cranberries have proven to be especially high in antioxidants that aid in memory retention.
Vegetables high in antioxidants include the green and leafy types such as spinach, broccoli, kale and brussel sprouts. Beets, red bell peppers, onions and garlic are also rich in the desired nutrients. Chard, turnip and collard greens are also high in antioxidants but not as much as their botanical cousins.
Omega 3 fatty acids should not be forgotten, and they may be found in salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel and sardines. Seafood also is packed with B vitamins as well as dairy products, eggs, spinach, carrots and various nuts and seeds.
Some spices are also excellent for promoting a better memory and healthy body by improving your motor skills and helping your brain to communicate and regenerate.
Research has shown that Curcumin which is found in ginger and curry, helps to prevent memory loss. Rosemary, both fresh and dried, stimulates and enhances the memory while it also calms your nerves and promotes a healthy circulatory system.
Finally, some good news for coffee lovers. Recent studies have revealed that caffeinated coffee in moderation helps to prevent memory loss and stimulate brainwave activity. The study showed it to be more effective in helping women than men.
Maintaining a healthy body and mind with a balanced diet will not only help you to excel today, but will also enable you to carry on with an enviable, healthy existence throughout the rest of your life.
Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2011. Written by Geoff Lyth
