"A diet rich in brain-enhancing fats consumed over many years can help people avoid Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder — and can even help alleviate depression and anxiety."1 The human brain, as compared to other species, is very complex but intelligent. It has been now proven that some foods might help the brain in fighting off harmful free radicals that ramble around apprehensively looking to commingle with other normal molecules. This rush for a partner is considered to cause damage to cellular structure and in worst condition, even cell death. During any such procedure, a variety of problems in brain functioning is quite common and therefore, human brain requires constant care.
Based on lots of studies, researchers now know that foods like strawberries and spinach can help providing the brain with additional squads of antioxidants and such defensive molecules can make brain free from radicals, out of their ruling and terminating their assault! According to one research, a synthetic anti-oxidant, in this way, can also reduce damage of brain2.
Maintaining physique
A long-term study that included 1500 volunteers found that the people who were obese in their middle ages were twofold as likely to acquire dementia in their later stages of life. Furthermore, the people who also have had high cholesterols and hypertension had six times the risks of developing the same. Adopting certain food lifestyle, rather than just ephemeral dietary pattern and eating in moderation may help overcoming the health ailment and keep brain healthy.
Yoga and Pranayama (breathing technique) has shown great benefits in retaining and recalling the memory. It helps the blood circulation and hence, improves the brain function. It is said that Yogasana such as Shirshasana not only helps improving eyesight
But it also soothes the brain and helps improving its cognitive function. Pranayama controls the life energy in a dramatic way and hence improves the brain function as firmly believed by holistic healers such as Ayurvedic doctors.
The food for brain health
Animal foods such as eggs and milk products are good sources of proteins and thus are to be consumed regularly. Other dietary supplements that consist of essential amino acids required for better neurotransmitter action include nuts, dried beans or legumes, seeds, dark green leafy vegetables and whole grains.
Any food or supplement that has antioxidant properties is good for the brain since it is proved through studies that damaged brain has free radicals3. The brain works with good and healthy environment. Fish oils are said to be good for the brain since they operate in the increasing of the dopamine level in the bloodstream. Dopamine is a monoamine neurotransmitter found in the brain and is vital for normal functioning of the CNS (Central Nervous System). Regular supplementation can help soothing over stressed brain and hence, the hormonal action of the brain is enhanced. This, in turn, enhances the ability to concentrate and brain function.
Omega 3 found in fish oils also benefit the brain in the area where the center of memory is located. More specifically, stress is a result of excessive amounts of hormone called cortisol that can cause detriments to the memory and nerve cell of the brain. Another component known as serotonin that governs the mood swings of an individual, lower serotonin levels oftentimes end up in depression. Simply put, restoring serotonin levels of in an individual can improve their moods.
Scientists also demonstrated that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) can help increasing the production of LR11, a protein found with low levels in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. LR11 is a known for destroying the proteins that form the plaques linked with brain disease as stated by researchers4. Studies also reveal that large doses of fish oils have been established as more effective agent compared to Ritalin for ADD and ADHD to improve focus and concentration.
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