As we age each year, we tend to mainly focus on how to keep our bodies looking and feeling young. We go to great lengths to keep wrinkles away and eat right to keep our weight managed. This is all fantastic, but we cannot forget about our brains. Keeping them sharp is crucial for living a long, healthy life.
You are probably already aware of the powerful effects that specific foods, spices and herbs can have on your body. But did you know that there are foods that are great for your brain, as well?
That’s right, there are things you can eat that will help with your memory, thinking and will actually make you smarter!
Read on to learn about 6 of these “Brain Foods” here…
Coconut Water
There’s a reason that coconut water has been exploding in popularity as of recent. Because it’s SUPER healthy!
With high levels of potassium and virtually no sodium, coconut water is the perfect beverage for balancing out the sodium/potassium ratio in your body.
Because so many of today’s processed foods are packed with sodium, it is easy to let this ratio become unbalanced which can have a significant affect on your brain function. Plus, coconut water tastes great and is super refreshing.
Coconut water contains a compound called cytokinin, which protects cells from aging and cancer.
It’s also rich in saturated fats, most of those being Medium Chain Triglycerides, or MCTs. Did you know that almost EVERY benefit we’ve found in coconut water is from MCTs?! Pretty cool!
MCTs are easily converted into energy by your liver. During that process, your liver also produces compounds called ketones. Ketones are an energy producing fuel that help your brain cells THRIVE. What’s more, ketones may help failing brain cells function better!
Some studies indicate that glucose, which our brain uses for fuel, may be harmful to brain cells. They can even burn out if you develop a glucose intolerance! Ketones are another fuel that your body can use to provide the brain with up to 2/3 its energy requirement! Ketone-based diets, or ‘ketogenic’ diets, are used as a very strict low-carbohydrate diet used to stimulate the growth and healing of brain cells.
If you’re trying to boost brain health AND lose weight, be sure to buy pure coconut water without any added sugars or chemicals!
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the world’s great superfoods, and something you should add to your diet today.
(I purchase Turmeric Drops and add them to my Oolong Tea!)
With anti-inflammatory properties and one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any spice, turmeric offers incredible health benefits for both your body AND your brain.
Studies even show that people who frequently eat curry-based dishes, which are high in turmeric doses, have a higher mental capacity than those who don’t. So if you’re a curry eater, keep on eating and if not, pick up some turmeric capsules for under $10 at any nutrition store. Or you can always find the drops and add them to brain-boosting Wu-Long & SlimTea!
Wild Salmon
This one has been around for a while but is still definitely worth mentioning.
By now you have likely heard about the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, but you may not have realized just how important they are for your brain health.
The membranes in your brain cells require omega-3s to function properly which is why more and more studies are showing that people who eat more fish have a better memory than those who eat less fish.
The primary fatty acid in salmon, DHA, actually serves as a sort of coating for your neurons, creating a majority of their cell membranes. It protects neurons from injury, reduces cerebral inflammation and helps produce neurotransmitters that give cells direction on what to do.
Many experience a noticeable difference in memory, concentration and overall mental health by adding wild salmon to their diets.
Be sure NOT to eat farm-raised salmon, as it’s often loaded with nasty chemicals that can do more harm than good to your brain.
Water
Every cell in your body needs water to thrive and your brain cells are no exception; in fact, about three-quarters of your brain is water. A small Ohio University study found that people whose bodies were well hydrated scored significantly better on tests of brainpower, compared with those who weren’t drinking enough.
Need tips on how to incorporate enough water into your day? Check out these Simple Hacks to Stay Hydrated.
Pile salads, stir-fries, and side dishes with broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, and brussels sprouts. They’re filled with antioxidants like vitamin C and plant compounds called carotenoids, which are particularly powerful brain protectors.
Antioxidants prevent damage from free radicals, which are waste products your body makes when cells use fuel to create energy. Your brain is especially vulnerable to damage from free radicals because it uses a lot of fuel (it’s only about 3% of your body weight but uses up to 17% of your energy). Since your mind makes a lot of these toxic by-products, ample antioxidants help to disarm and defuse them.
While all antioxidants (from a variety of plants) are good for your brain, these cruciferous veggies are especially effective. A Harvard Medical School study of more than 13,000 women found that those who ate the most lowered their brain age by 1 to 2 years.
(The antioxidants found in our Wu-Long & SlimTea also prevent damage from free radicals – read more below)
Oolong Tea
This is my favorite brain food!
Rodale News recently reported that a nice tall glass of oolong tea may reduce your risk of stroke by as much as 60%! That’s because of the high polyphenol content in the Premium, Medicinal Grade Oolong in Wu-Long and SlimTea.
What’s more, Prevention magazine found that iced tea contains AS MANY stroke-fighting antioxidants as hot tea!
Two things you MUST do to get the brain-boosting power of iced oolong:
1. Brew it in boiling water- between 185 and 190 degrees and steep for at least 3 minutes.
2. DON’T buy just any Oolong. Use powerful Medicinal grade Wu-Long & SlimTea. That’s because Wu-Long & SlimTea have been tested with third party research labs and have been found FREE from toxins, chemicals, pesticides or traces of any junk you don’t want to steep into your tea.
Now that you are well-informed on how to keep your brain young, healthy and smarter, go out and stock up on these “brain foods” to incorporate all year long!
What are some ways you keep your brain sharp?
Yours in Health & Happiness,
Chrissy