Brain Foods: The Smart Way to EAT!

Here's an interesting and informative article on Brain Foods written by Shawn McKee (eDiets Staff Writer), which is more than worth to share. Thanks to Gessa for forwarding me a copy. Similarly, we hope you'll find relevance in reading it to reward your brain with a real smart eat!

"Brain Foods: The Smart Way to Eat!
By Shawn McKee
eDiets Staff Writer

Food for Thought

Fish is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the essential fats that ensure healthy functioning of the cells in the brain.

Nuts and Seeds are rich in selenium, vitamin E and phytochemicals, nuts and seeds protect against brain aging. Their plant sources of omega-3 fats also contribute to healthy brain cells.

A cup of green or black tea provides polyphenols, special plant compounds that keep brain neurons healthy and blood vessels elastic so that nutrients can flow to the brain. Choose green tea to enhance memory and alertness and improve attention span.

Whole grains supply the brain with its preferred source of fuel: carbohydrates. Whole grains also contain three B vitamins important for brain energy: folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12. Whole wheat pasta, barley, oatmeal, brown rice and whole grain breads are all sources for complex carbohydrates.

A Cart of Many Colors

In general, think colors when perusing the produce aisle. If it’s brightly colored, it is brain food -- loaded with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that maintain brain health and enhance mental performance.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables contains many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals essential for optimal brain function and memory.

All berries are good, but especially blueberries are rich in anthocyanin pigments and potent antioxidants that build a protective shield around the brain, guarding against aging and damage to the brain.

Spinach is an antioxidant powerhouse, bursting with beta-carotene, vitamin C and folic acid that help to keep blood vessels healthy and brain nerve impulses working properly. The iron in spinach is important for getting oxygen to the brain and improving concentration.

To improve your brain function, even out your blood-sugar level by eating and drinking water regularly -- try a meal or snack every three to four hours.

The best sugars for the brain are complex carbohydrates. Starches and fruit sugars (fructose) do not cause the roller-coaster mood swings that junk sugars do. The molecules in complex carbs are long, so it takes longer for the intestines to break them down into the simple sugars the body can use. They provide a time-released source of steady energy, instead of a sudden surge followed by a sudden drop."