Yummy Brain Foods to Consider Eating
Zhi Lin
November, 2019
As small as our brain is, it actually consumes a fifth of all the calories we consume in a day! This is expected, given that there are billions of action potentials generated by our brain every second to make all our thoughts and actions possible. It is therefore important for us to nourish our brain with brainy foods, which would not only promote brain health but also make us more vigilant and sharp. Here is a list of brain-healthy foods you should consider adding to your diet!
1. Blueberries: This refreshing and sweet fruit not only makes a great snack in the afternoon, it is also packed with antioxidants that can sharpen your memory. For example, the anti-aging properties conferred by the antioxidants in blueberries have been shown in lab animals to delay age-related memory loss (common characteristics of dementia and Alzheimer’s).
2. Turmeric: An important spice in curry powder, turmeric has been shown to prevent cancer, treat inflammation, and bacterial infection. So while you're scooping that spoonful of hot and savory curry, you're also doing your body a spectacular favor. Adding on to Turmeric's long list of benefit is delayed neurodegeneration, which has been implicated in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson.
3. Green Tea and Coffee: If you do not drink green tea or coffee regularly, you may want to consider adding a cup to your morning routine. Both green tea and coffee are an excellent source of natural caffeine, which improves short-term brain function by increasing one’s alertness and memory. But more importantly, both also contain polyphenols, which have been shown to promote brain health and delay neurodegeneration as well.
4. Salmon and fish rich in EPA and DHA: Fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids, or EPA and DHA, are important for brain development and neuronal function. EPA and DHA confers protection against dementia, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline. Some fish that are rich in EPA and DHA include salmon, Mackerel, Cod, and herring. As an alternative to fish, many nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and flaxseed, are also rich in omega-3; these omega-3, however, are alpha-linolenic acids (ALA), which can be converted to EPA and DHA by our body.
Zhi Lin
November, 2019
As small as our brain is, it actually consumes a fifth of all the calories we consume in a day! This is expected, given that there are billions of action potentials generated by our brain every second to make all our thoughts and actions possible. It is therefore important for us to nourish our brain with brainy foods, which would not only promote brain health but also make us more vigilant and sharp. Here is a list of brain-healthy foods you should consider adding to your diet!
1. Blueberries: This refreshing and sweet fruit not only makes a great snack in the afternoon, it is also packed with antioxidants that can sharpen your memory. For example, the anti-aging properties conferred by the antioxidants in blueberries have been shown in lab animals to delay age-related memory loss (common characteristics of dementia and Alzheimer’s).
2. Turmeric: An important spice in curry powder, turmeric has been shown to prevent cancer, treat inflammation, and bacterial infection. So while you're scooping that spoonful of hot and savory curry, you're also doing your body a spectacular favor. Adding on to Turmeric's long list of benefit is delayed neurodegeneration, which has been implicated in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson.
3. Green Tea and Coffee: If you do not drink green tea or coffee regularly, you may want to consider adding a cup to your morning routine. Both green tea and coffee are an excellent source of natural caffeine, which improves short-term brain function by increasing one’s alertness and memory. But more importantly, both also contain polyphenols, which have been shown to promote brain health and delay neurodegeneration as well.
4. Salmon and fish rich in EPA and DHA: Fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids, or EPA and DHA, are important for brain development and neuronal function. EPA and DHA confers protection against dementia, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline. Some fish that are rich in EPA and DHA include salmon, Mackerel, Cod, and herring. As an alternative to fish, many nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and flaxseed, are also rich in omega-3; these omega-3, however, are alpha-linolenic acids (ALA), which can be converted to EPA and DHA by our body.
