Background

Showing posts with label Health and Nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health and Nutrition. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Top 15 Brain Foods

With me being a nutrition and foods teacher and now with Colby starting a masters in Nutrition we have steered our eating habits towards a more healthy direction.  So I thought that I would start doing some posts on nutrition as well as helpful hints and tips for the kitchen.

The other day I came across this article and thought I would share.  I am so glad that many of them are already in our diet; especially CHOCOLATE!!!  I am sorry, but I could never give that up!

So here are 15 of the top foods to keep your body and brain healthy and active   
1. Blueberries – These treats supply your brain with antioxidants that help keep cells healthy. 


2. Raspberries – Whether growing wild or cultivated, raspberries are one of the most antioxidant-rich berries.


3. Strawberries – In addition to antioxidants, strawberries are high in vitamin C. A strawberry dessert is good for you.


4. Salmon – A great source for omega-3 fatty acid. Eating fish at least twice a week is considered a good nutrition goal.

5. Eggs – These contain choline, a fat-like B vitamin, which enhances memory and minimizes fatigue.


6. Broccoli – Have more broccoli because it contains vitamin K, which helps with overall brain performance.


 7. Spinach – Dark green vegetables, such as spinach, have been shown to slow development of dementia in women.


8. Almonds – A handful of almonds gives you a healthy dose of vitamin E, which contains antioxidants.


9. Bell Peppers – These peppers contain large amounts of vitamin C, which helps protect brain cells. 


10. Carrots – There is evidence that carrots reduce inflammation in brain cells and guard against memory loss.


11. Avocado – Almost as good for your brain as blueberries, avocados contain fats that keep blood flowing. 
Add avocado to salads.


12. Flaxseed – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flax- seed is good mixed into a smoothie or yogurt.


13. Beans – Raise alertness and stimulate nerve impulses in your brain (a good thing) with beans.


(I'm not endorsing coffee but I will admit that I LOVE the smell of coffee beans!  Mmmmm)
14. Coffee – This is one of the best sources of antioxidants in the American diet. Excessive amounts, 
though, interfere with sleep — bad for the brain. 

Save the BEST for last!!!
15. Dark Chocolate – Not only does this yummy food contain antioxidants, it also spurs production of endorphin's, 
which improves your mood.