Brain is the most crucial organ in our body which enables you to carry out functions in the way you wish. When the brain is not function normally a person may experience series of problems in memory, concentration, mental stability, logical skill and reasoning. Without brain you cannot display any emotion and if the brain does not give command, even the physiological functions and metabolism gets affected.
Quality sleep, healthy diet and regular exercise can help in keeping the brain functions normal. Heightened emotions and stress can affect the brain to some extent. There are certain foods that help in increasing the brain power. The foods given here are only a supplement and brain’s natural capacity cannot be equaled to any food and supplements.
Foods That Help In Brain Functions :
1. Don’t Skip Your Breakfast :
Many adults and even children skin their breakfast while hurrying to their workplace or school. Taking regular breakfast helps the brain to balance the concentration level of the person. You may not feel energetic or you may not be able to think and decide properly without having breakfast. Choose foods with low glycemic index value for breakfast. A glass of milk combined with any light breakfast will do well.
2. Coffee :
Drinking coffee is good or bad is debated for thousands of years. Coffee is a popular beverage around the world and caffeine present in coffee is considered to stimulate the brain functions. So far there is no evidence that coffee is injurious to health. However one should not drink more than 3 cups of coffee per day. You should not get addicted to coffee. And avoid drinking coffee after evening since it can interfere with your sleep.
3. Sweets :
As you know already, eating sweets and candy will end up creating cavities in your mouth and bundles of sugar molecules which can cause obesity. Eating candy cannot support brain power and is not advisable for health. However you can take candy twice a week or every now and then which can trigger the functioning of brain.
4. Fish :
Many of the fishes are enriched with omega 3 fatty acid which is good for your physical as well as mental health. Fish is considered to be good brain food and is known to reduce the risk of developing mental problems. You can get maximum benefits of the brain power by including fish 3 times a week. But nowadays people stick on to junk foods and packaged items which are unhealthy.
5. Blueberries :
Blueberries contain high antioxidants and is one of the excellent foods for the brain functioning. You can eat at least few blueberries twice a week to get various health benefits. Antioxidants present in berries would destroy free radicals that cause brain tissue damage. Berries can reverse the process of mental decline and helps in keeping you mindful and alert. It improves concentration and memory power and hence good for growing children. Eating blueberries is recommended if you want to postpone age related issues. It is also considered to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Not only blueberry, but you can include cranberry, raspberry and strawberry in your daily diet to get maximum benefit. Any kind of berry variety is good for mental as well as physical health.
6. Avocados :
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats and promote growth of good cholesterol in the blood. Oleic acid present in the avocados are good for the health of brain. But since this natural food also contains some saturated fats you should include avocados in your diet once or twice a week.
7. Walnuts :
Walnuts and similar dried fruits are ideal for brain power. Walnuts contain vitamin E and protein which is vital for the functioning of brain. You can have walnuts as an evening snack daily. It also provides you energy since it is a bundle of protein.
8. Seeds :
Flaxseed, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are good choice of brain power food. These seeds contain essential minerals and micronutrients which in turn promotes overall health. It is enough if you take a handful of seeds along with nuts to get maximum benefit.
Supplements :
There are several brands available in the market which claims to improve brain function and power. But not all of them are reliable. Some of them have only vitamins or herbs and others have essential nutrients. It is not recommended to rely on the supplemental products which are expensive. Instead you can include natural foods rich in antioxidants for getting the desired brain power.
Vegetables and Fruits :
Fresh fruits and vegetables are always healthy. Eating fruits rich in vitamin C and Beta carotene is highly beneficial for brain health and metabolism. Fruits like mango and oranges and veggies like tomato, cantaloupe, carrot and broccoli are rich source of vitamin C and carotene. Further the natural sugars present in these items will improve brain power and keeps you alert.
Fatty Acids :
Include foods rich in omega fatty acids like nuts, seed oils and sea-foods. This can effectively boost your memory and concentration. Coconut oil contains health fats and proteins and it is recommended to use 1-2 tsp each day in your diet.
Folic Acid :
Vegetables like okra, spinach, beans, lettuce, black beans, collards and black eyed beans are healthy since they contain folic acid. Include lentils in your daily meal to get the benefit of nutrients.
Foods To Avoid :
Processed foods, starchy foods, high fat foods and sweets are to be avoided to reduce the risk of brain function decline. If at all, you want to eat them, eat only less quantity.