by Helen Sanders, chief editor at HealthAmbition.com
Most of us associate “diet foods” with foods that will help us look better physically. While this is a common motive for people to begin watching what they eat, there are many other reasons why we should be mindful of what we consume. I know firsthand that eating the right foods is an excellent way to not only improve physical appearance but general health as well.
During my weight loss journey, I experienced changes in my body that I never thought would be possible. Even though my health and appearance were my main concerns when picking out which new foods I would be eating, I noticed a significant change in my mental functionality as well.
To this day, I see that eating the right dishes gives me the “brain boost” that I need to get through my daily tasks.
What are Brain Foods?
Believe it or not, there are certain vitamins found in foods that optimize brain function. Naturally, most of these vitamins are in foods that most of us would consider as healthy. Dairy products (in moderations), fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts are all excellent choices for increasing energy as well as optimal brain function.
For those of who rely on our abilities to think critically and lead busy lives, brain function is one of the most crucial components of ensuring a job well done. These four foods provide energy and brain-supporting vitamins that are an ideal part of a busy person’s diet. Business people, writers, teachers and numerous other professionals can make use of these foods to make their day run more smoothly.
Fruit and Vegetable Juice.
Personally, I can’t think of a more refreshing beverage made from fresh fruits and vegetables. I usually skip premade juices to ensure that I know what I’m putting in my body. I usually just throw an assortment of fruits, veggies, chia seeds, and fruit juice into my blender. The result is a colorful smoothie that tastes sweet and all-natural.
Bananas, apples, spinach, carrots, oranges, and celery are all great ingredients for juice. They are packed with vitamins B6, B12, vtamin C, and others. These three vitamins alone support healthy brain function and energy levels. If you find yourself enjoying it so much that you drink it every day, your body will thank you, too.
Yogurt.
Yogurt is a relatively cheap product that comes in a variety of delicious flavors. It is full of protein, vitamin C, and Calcium. The protein and Vitamin C found in yogurt provide your body with energy and mental clarity.
Even though yogurt is an excellent dietary choice for those of us wishing to enhance our mental performance, it’s best to consume it in moderation. Too much dairy isn’t the best for our bodies, as it can lead to bloating, weight gain, and gastrointestinal problems.
Nuts and Seeds.
These are an excellent source of protein as well as other vitamins. This means that regardless of which types of legumes you choose to snack on, your energy level will receive a notable boost. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are high in zinc and magnesium, and B vitamins, all which support brain function. These supplements are also known to reduce stress levels.
Like dairy products, this is another option that you will want to consume in moderation. Even though nuts and seed have high levels of protein and vitamins, many of them also elevated levels of fat. This includes saturated fat (the “bad fat”), which can cause you to put on unwanted weight with overconsumption.
Fish.
Even though too much fat can be bad for the body, there are” good fats” too. Oily fishes are high in Omega-3 fats. These are the good fats that are healthy for proper brain function. It is important that you are mindful of how your fish is prepared, though; fried fish is naturally going to be more detrimental to your health than a grilled or baked fish.
Some of the best fishes to find Omega-3 fats include salmon, trout, and tilapia. Not only are these oils crucial for brain function, but they have also been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and memory loss.
Other Brain Foods.
These are just some starting points for improving a diet for the sake of optimizing a busy person’s brain function. Many other foods have the potential to give you the brainpower boost that you are seeking. It is just a matter of eating a sensible diet, mainly made up of foods that most of us know are healthy. This principle alone has had the most promising results on my ability to function mentally.
Helen Sanders is chief editor at HealthAmbition.com. Established in 2012, Health Ambition has grown rapidly in recent years.
