Eating the following foods can help to protect your brain against degeneration, nourish your neurons and even boost the production of neurotransmitters. 1. Curry - Curry contains turmeric, a spice that in turn contains the anti-inflammatory antioxidant curcumin. Curcumin is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, which is one reason why it holds promise as a neuroprotective agent in a wide range of neurological disorders. Research has shown that curcumin may help inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brain of Alzheimers patients, as well as break up existing plaques.1 Curcumin has even been shown to boost memory and stimulate the production of new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis. A word to the wise… some curry powders may contain very little curcumin compared to straight turmeric powder, so choose the latter for the best health benefits. 2. Celery - Celery is a rich source of luteolin, a plant compounds that may calm inflammation in your brain, which is a primary cause of neurodegeneration. Luteolin has also been linked with lower rates of age-related memory loss in mice. In addition to celery, peppers and carrots are also good sources of luteolin. 3. Broccoli and Cauliflower - Broccoli and cauliflower are good sources of choline, a B vitamin known for its role in brain development. Choline intake during pregnancy super-charged the brain activity of animals in utero, indicating that it may boost cognitive function, improve learning and memory, It may even diminish age-related memory decline and your brains vulnerability to toxins during childhood, as well as conferring protection later in life.3 Eggs and meat are among the best food sources of choline. 4. Walnuts - Walnuts are good sources of plant-based omega-3 fats, natural phytosterols and antioxidants and have been shown to reverse brain aging in older rats. DHA, in particular, is a type of omega-3 fat that’s been found to boost brain function and even promote brain healing, although it’s more plentiful in animal-based omega-3 sources, such as krill, as opposed to walnuts. 5. Crab -One serving of crab contains more than your entire daily requirement of phenylalanine, an amino acid that helps make the neurotransmitter dopamine, brain-stimulating adrenaline and noradrenaline and thyroid hormone, and may help fight Parkinson’s disease. Crab is also an excellent source of brain-boosting vitamin B12. 6. Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) - Garbanzo beans are one of the best food sources of magnesium (aside from kelp and green leafy vegetables). Magnesium benefits brain cell receptors to speed the transmission of messages, while also relaxing blood vessels, which allows more blood flow to the brain. 7. Red Meat - Red meat like grass-fed beef is an excellent source of vitamin B12, which is vital for healthy brain function. People with high levels of markers for vitamin B12 deficiency are more likely to score lower on cognitive tests, as well as have a smaller total brain volume, which suggests a lack of the vitamin may lead to brain shrinkage. 8. Blueberries - The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in blueberries have been linked to improvements in learning, thinking and memory, along with reductions in neurodegenerative oxidative stress. They’re also relatively low in fructose compared to other fruits, making them one of the healthier fruits available. 9. Healthy Fats - Beneficial health-promoting fats that your body and your brain in particular, needs for optimal function. Healthy fats are found in organic butter from grass fed cows, olives, organic virgin olive oil and coconut oil, nuts like pecans and macadamia, free-range eggs, wild Alaskan salmon, and avocado.
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 12:01:10 +0000
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