A Brainpowering Breakfast
A Brainpowering Breakfast
Considering the organ safeguarded by your skull is responsible for:
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Controlling blood pressure
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Regulating breathing
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Processing memory information
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Allowing you to concentrate at work or school
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Interpreting your five senses, as well as emotions, speech, reasoning, and body movements
— it's safe to say that your brain, a.k.a. the control center of your body, is a pretty big deal. Luckily, the food you eat for breakfast can help you maintain optimal brain health and prevent impairment of its vital functions.
Top Brain Foods to Power Your Mind
Are you ready to start your day the right way? Here's some food for thought (literally) to eat during breakfast time.
Drink This: 100 Percent Fruit and/or Veggie Juice
There are several reasons to start your morning with a refreshing, all-natural juice. For one, higher consumption of 100 percent juice not only promotes good overall health, but the nutritious beverage also cultivates a sharp mind.
In addition, a 2019 study published in Neurology ascertained that older men who added more fruits and vegetables to their diet had a decreased risk of memory degeneration and cognitive decline.
Eat this: Whole-Grain Bagel with Salmon
Whole grains, including barley, oats, and quinoa are an abundant source of B vitamins, which play a significant role in combating inflammation of the brain and possibly preserving your memory.
But, because eating whole grains on their own can get boring, pair them with delicious fatty fish for a nutrient-dense breakfast. Salmon, in particular, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Your brain uses omega-3s to create brain and nerve cells, both of which are integral for learning and retaining a strong memory.
Although a glass of fruit and/or vegetable juice is sure to fill you up, your healthy appetite may want something more substantial after an hour or two. Thus, try eating a whole wheat bagel filled with thin slices of salmon. The complex carbohydrates in whole wheat can energize you through your day, and the omega-3s in fatty fish will allow you to grasp new information with ease. A powerful brain food combo, indeed.
Drink This: A Cup of Java
Off to work or school? Don't forget about coffee!
For coffee lovers around the world, here's some good news to get excited about. Aside from giving you a burst of energy in the morning, two components in coffee — caffeine and antioxidants — have brain-boosting benefits. They include:
According to a 2016 study, long-term coffee consumption is also associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Further, adding butter in your coffee may supply you with more energy throughout the day.
Say no more. We are currently pulling up to the nearest Starbucks drive-thru.
The Bottom Line
If you start your day with the right food, not only will you support and preserve your brain health, but you can also improve your alertness, mood, and energy. Besides, modifying your breakfast won't seem extreme if such alterations are as filling and tasty as the examples above.
