Sunday, August 16, 2009

Brain Food.

Brain Food #1: Berries - raspberries, strawberries and blueberries full of memory boosting nutrients.

Brain Food #2: Cherries - they are nature's own little anti-inflammatory pills. They contain Cox 2 inhibitors similar to those found in pain medications such as Vioxx and Celebrex, but they also contain compounds called polyphenols that keep platelets in the blood from clumping together. Plus, there are no side effects from consuming cherries like there are in pills. Isn't mother nature clever?!

Brain Food #3: Apples - studies suggest that eating apples not only may help reduce the risk of cancer, but diminish the risk of neurodegenerative disorders as well.

Brain Food #4: Curry - turmeric, the yellow spice found in many curries, contains curcumin, which also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may even prove useful in treating Alzheimer's.

Brain Food #5: Eggs - the yolk contains one of the most important nutrients for building better brains: choline. Getting adequate amounts of choline, especially early in life—may help us learn more readily and also help us retain what we learn. Clorine may also give us the mental building blocks we need to help keep memory intact as we age.

Brain Food #6: Sardines - fatty fish like budget-friendly sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to be instrumental in maintaining brain function from early development throughout life.

Brain Food #7: Oysters - is one food rich in both iron and zinc. If your mind wanders or you have memory lapses here and there, you may need more of the minerals zinc and iron in your diet.

Brain Food #8: Cocoa - my favorite brain food! Several studies have shown that eating flavonol-rich cocoa can improve blood vessel function, boosting circulation throughout the body and blood flow to the brain. However, while cocoa, the ingredient that carries "chocolate" flavor, is rich in beneficial compounds, it's often combined with high-fat ingredients, so it's best to keep chocolate treats to a healthy minimum.

Great tasting foods that are good for you, it's a no-brainer!

image found - impactlab.com, ref beliefnet.com

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