Ginseng, Fish, Berries, or Caffeine?
Listen to the buzz about foods and dietary supplements, and
you'll believe they can do everything from sharpen focus to enhance memory,
attention span, and brain function. But do they really work? There's no denying that as we age,
our body ages right along with us. The good news is that you can improve your
chances of maintaining a healthy brain if you add "smart" foods and
drinks to your diet.
Caffeine Can Make You More Alert
There's no magic bullet to boost IQ or make you smarter --
but certain substances, like caffeine, can energize you and help you
concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications,
caffeine gives you that unmistakable wake-up buzz, though the effects are
short-term. And more is often less: Overdo it on caffeine and it can make you
jittery and uncomfortable.
Sugar Can Enhance Alertness
Sugar is your brain's preferred fuel source -- not table
sugar, but glucose, which your body processes from the sugars and carbs you
eat. That's why a glass of something sweet to drink can offer a short-term
boost to memory, thinking, and mental ability.
Have too much, though, and memory can be impaired -- along
with the rest of you. Go easy on the sugar so it can enhance memory without
packing on the pounds.
Eat Breakfast to Fuel Your Brain
Tempted to skip breakfast? Studies have found that eating
breakfast may improve short-term memory and attention. Students who eat it tend
to perform better than those who don’t. Foods at the top of researchers'
brain-fuel list include high-fiber whole grains, dairy, and fruits. Just don't
overeat; researchers also found high-calorie breakfasts appear to hinder
concentration.
Fish really is Brain Food
A protein source linked to a great brain boost is fish --
rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are key for brain health. These healthy fats
have amazing brain power: A diet with higher levels of them has been linked to
lower dementia and stroke risks and slower mental decline; plus, they may play
a vital role in enhancing memory, especially as we get older.
For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish weekly.
Add a Daily Dose of Nuts and Chocolate
Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin
E, which has been linked in some studies to less cognitive decline as you age.
Dark chocolate also has other powerful antioxidant properties, and it contains
natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus.
Enjoy up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate to get
all the benefits you need with a minimum of excess calories, fat, or sugar.
Add Avocados and Whole Grains
Every organ in the body depends on blood flow, especially
the heart and brain. A diet high in whole grains and fruits like avocados can
cut the risk of heart disease and lower bad cholesterol. This reduces your risk
of plaque buildup and enhances blood flow, offering a simple, tasty way to fire
up brain cells.
Whole grains, like popcorn and whole wheat, also contribute
dietary fiber and vitamin E. Though avocados have fat, it's the good-for-you,
monounsaturated fat that helps with healthy blood flow.
Blueberries Are Super Nutritious
Research in animals shows that blueberries may help protect
the brain from the damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the effects of
age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Studies also
show that diets rich in blueberries improved both the learning and muscle
function of aging rats, making them mentally equal to much younger rats.
Benefits of a Healthy Diet
It may sound trite but it's true: If your diet lacks
essential nutrients, it can hurt your ability to concentrate. Eating too much
or too little can also interfere with your focus. A heavy meal may make you
feel tired, while too few calories can result in distracting hunger pangs.
Benefit your brain: Strive for a well-balanced diet full of
a wide variety of healthy foods.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements?
Store shelves groan with supplements claiming to boost
health. Although many of the reports on the brain-boosting power of supplements
like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium are promising, a supplement
is only useful to people whose diets are lacking in that specific nutrient.
Some researchers are cautiously optimistic about ginseng,
ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral, and herb combinations and their impact on the
brain, but more proof is still needed.
Get Ready for a Big Day
Want to power up your ability to concentrate? Start with a
meal of 100% fruit juice, a whole-grain bagel with salmon, and a cup of coffee.
In addition to eating a well-balanced meal, experts also offer this advice:
- Get a
good night's sleep.
- Stay
hydrated.
- Exercise
to help sharpen thinking.
- Meditate to clear thinking and relax
Curated from WebMD.
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