Brain Food Diet

by Aaron D. Feen

Much of a brain cell’s structure is made up of what are called “healthy fats”. The most important of these are the Omega-3 fatty acids. As your brain repairs itself and grows new neurons, it needs an abundant supply of Omega-3s from your diet.

The brain is the largest user of oxygen of all the different organs so any change in blood flow to the brain quickly effects its ability to function. Reducing fats is important in keeping those arteries free. In fact, researchers have noted that reduced blood flow is a contributing factor in cognitive decline in older people. Protecting your blood supply to the brain is critical in keeping function longer as you age.

Fish, for example, especially salt-water fish, is a good source of iodine. Before iodine was routinely added to salt, many people who lived inland lacked this mineral in their diets. This often caused a condition called goiter, where the thyroid gland enlarges and production of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine, decreases. Thyroxine is necessary for proper mental function. When a person who suffered from iodine deficiency ate fish, the thyroid was stimulated into producing more of the essential hormone. The person usually became alert and able to think clearly.

Vitamins and minerals are the building blocks of your brain. The brain needs a sufficient amount of Vitamins C, B12 and B6. Citrus fruits and cranberries are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin B6 can be found in ready-to-eat cereals, potatoes and beans such as garbanzos. Vitamin B12 is especially important because it keeps nerve cells healthy and active. Liver, beef and seafood such as mollusks provide a healthy dose of Vitamin b12.

This is the most important thing for a person to be able to have a sensible and in the right frame of mind. The relativity is very great that we should always think twice about the food that we are going to eat. If you do not know or does not have an inkling of that kind of food that you should eat, I will give you some advice that would surely become an eye opener to you. So, here is the list of food that you should eat and put together in your menu.

Fats are not totally villains, they are actually good guys when it comes to your brain. They are especially important and useful to Neurons. Fats made up about 33% of your brain. And we are talking here about good fats – fatty acids which your brain needs to perform complex, intricate functions properly.

Wild Salmon – Fish has long been known to be a great brain food choice. Wild salmon is probably the best choice of all because it is one of the best sources of Essential Fatty Acids, particularly Omega-3 without the contamination found in many species of deep sea fish. Some farm raised salmon is beneficial depending on the source but you really need to be careful. Other good seafood choices are sardines and smelts, both small fish with small livers that limit the amounts of mercury they can store.

Your brain food supplements should consist of fish, which is rich in DHA-omega-3 fatty acids that are very essential for the brain synapses and insufficient or lack of this nutrient hampers the intellect and can cause the onset of Dementia. And strict vegetarians can consume pumpkin seeds, flax seeds or walnuts that also contain omega-3 fatty acids. Eggs contain choline that is supposedly good for improving your memory.