Foods that increase your intelligence!

Eat smart, Think smart, Be smart!

Certain foods can affect our moods, behaviors & even our intellect. What you eat determines who you are and what you're capable of. Of course with the right amount of exercise and activities you do do in your day, affects your personality and cognitive thinking. One of many complicated sciences of life. Below are some fascinating foods that keep you upbeat and help with memory and strategic decision making!.

Yogurt, Milk and Cheese (Vitamin D)

Foods with High concentrates of vitamin D are very important to keep the brain functioning and developing on a superior level. Not only that, Vitamin D also helps bone structure, Boosts your immune system, reduces risk of asthma, rheumatoid arhritis, cancer & increases your defenses to low levels of radiation. Vitamin D is particularly awesome in increasing your thought functions. Keeping you with an everlasting superb mind!.

Water, oh yes good, simple WATER!

Studies show, that when you get dehydrated, your brain also performs at very low levels, In order to maintain high levels of brain function and thought processing, keep yourself hydrated. Drop all sorts of fizzy drinks, overtime they can be hazardous to health. You are more prone to diabetes and such from fizzy drinks. Only water can, and will keep you functioning at optimum levels, compared to people that don't drink water as much. Try to consume at least 8-16 glasses of water a day minimum!.

Walnuts for your nut.

These simple nuts are high in levels of B6, Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin E. A certain type of Omega 3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is very crucial for cognitive and motor skills. Including reduction in brain deterioration. Protein that comes along with walnuts provide many amino acids that are essential for the body and intelligent brain function. Walnuts are also very good for reversing aging effects. keeping you younger and looking younger too!. Apart from hazelnuts, peanuts and almonds, walnuts (raw form) consists the highest levels of antioxidants. It seems like squirrels, mice and hamsters know the secrets to staying young, highly intelligent and super active!. Recommended on a daily basis, a handful is good enough!. If you're further interested, read up on Staying younger with anti-aging foods and liquids!.

Whole grain foods, for the whole brain nutrition.

Whole grain foods may consist of whole wheat breads, wheat millet's, wheat wild rice and other such cereal grains. There are many benefits to whole grains. Top most dealing with your heart and brain. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular related diseases and promotes smooth blood flow to the brain. It also oversees the delivery of glucose into your system. Think of it this way. If your brain is an engine, then glucose is the fuel. glucose plays an important part in cellular structure in the body and especially your brain. It is important to acquire glucose into your system to keep it running on peak levels. Recommended on a daily basis.

Brassicaceae Vegetables.

Also known as cruciferous veggies. A list of these types of veggies would be.

1. cabbage
2. brussels
3. broccoli
4. mizuna
5. turnips
6. sprouts
7. kale
8. canola
9. radish
10. napa cabbage (chinese)
11. cauliflower
12. collard greens
13. tatsoi

Are some of the few you can find, that are essentially important as they contain substantial amounts of Vitamin C and high in antioxidants. These veggies can help with deterioration of brain activity and further extend its life period, resulting in a younger and healthier brain. Making the brain less likely to succumb to mental disorder or unstability, the older one grows. The brain works overtime and hardly rests if you dint know, including when you sleep. In fact it is most active during your sleep. Remember they are also known to have anti cancer properties. To help your brain function on optimal levels, these types of veggies are best recommended a minimum of 20 times a month, or 3 times a week atleast!.

Salmon, (omega 3 fatty acids)

Whether grilled, poached, smoked or with a slice of ham. Salmon is considered to have the highest amount of omega 3 and other proteins. This is highly recommended for brain power, structure and development. I can't begin to stress how wonderful a brain food salmon is. Although if you are a seafood, especially a fish fanatic, always be sure to watch for methyl-mercury which is a highly toxic compound of mercury itself. It can only be dangerous if you do not watch this level in your consumption of fish or shellfish to be specific. nevertheless, Salmon as a brain food is madly sought after, purely for its taste and nutritional value!. Recommended 3-4 times a week.

Spices for super health.

Certain spices can help blood flow to the brain better, faster and smoother. increasing productivity and function of the brain overall. Not only that, These spices which i'm about to list are quite high in antioxidants, helping you fight off free radicals in the body as well. Which in turn helps reduces the risk of heart cancer, diabetes and chronic diseases.

1. Oregano
2. paprika
3. ginger
4. rosemary
5. thyme
6. cinnamon
7. turmeric

These spices like cinnamon to be specific can greatly help with blood pressure and help with the flow of insulin and blood sugar regulating it properly. If you are further interested, read my other hub on Simple home made remedies. I explain more about spices and its benefits for people suffering with diabetes or blood pressure .

Assorted Berries.

Berries are widely known for their healing properties and more importantly for brain function and health. Anthocyanin which is an element present in various berries, not only is the berry pigment which gives it the bluish or reddish color, but also helps lower risk factors and help guard the brain from ailments such as dementia, Parkinson disease and cognitive impairment. Blueberries can greatly help with high blood pressure, reducing possibility of strokes and hypertension. Strawberries on the other hand are considered second to none, when it comes to improving memory, motor function and reaction time. Not only that, Antioxidants being the keyword, are highly present in all sorts of berries. Recommended a handful on a daily consumption.

Beef Nutrients.

Specifically lean beef. If your brain doesn't get enough iron on a minimal basis, your mental performance will deteriorate. Of all the meats available, lean beef proves to be very high in nutrients such as zinc, B vitamins(B6, B12), Iron, niacin, riboflavin, selenium, are some of its composition found in lean beef. Any nutrition expert, even your fitness trainer will attest to how healthy lean beef is for the rest of the body. Low in calories, but a boost in protein requirements. This will help you maintain your body, regulate sugar levels and the good cholesterol, while exercising. Just for the pure fact that its rich in proteins too!. Also good for bone structure and repair, muscle and weight maintenance, helps boost immune system and great at fighting of diseases. All this under lean beef, so simple its fascinating. But remember, its also a wonderful brain food. Think of Peter Parker waking up the next day, completely formed into Spiderman, with a new body, better vision and remarkably brilliant. He probably got bitten by a lean beefing spider. (If that's a word).

Dark chocolate. (what?, no it cant be!!).

Rich in cocoa content, This simple and delicious chocolate can boost your brain power and alertness. Purely for the fact that its loaded with antioxidant properties (specifically flavanol antioxidants). Similar to green tea and berries, Dark chocolate (cocoa content) has a higher dosage of flavanols. it is quite healthy assuming, you consume it moderate amounts, further reducing risks of stroke and heart related ailments. Moreover Dark chocolate, has proven to repair damaged blood vessels in smokers, reduces blood clotting, inflammation and helps lower blood pressure. Besides it tastes good, makes you feel nice (natural stimulant), maximizes awareness etc. Enjoy yourself, but a noteworthy caution, since its chocolate, it can very well come with high amounts of calories. Other than that you're good to go with its very healthy properties.

Egg Yolk.

There are some nutrients that the body cannot produce or doesn't make enough of. Such as choline, which can be found in egg yolk. Choline promotes memory and muscle functions. A decline in choline intake can result in liver disorders and especially in mental instability as you grow older. It is important to include choline from eggs in your diet. Other sources of choline can be found in cod fish, peanuts, spinach, cauliflower and kidney beans to name a few. Although having a hard boiled egg would be more than sufficient. Choline also stems from the B vitamin family, it can be broken into 3 categories which are, Energy distribution, bodily functions, growth and development. Again very important for the brain. highly recommended since the body cannot produce this, choline must be attained in one's diet.

Sting like a bee, Float like a butterfly, Live like a genius!.

Every now and then, what you eat is what you are, Most people don't realize that what you do in your daily life can affect you physically as well as mentally somewhere down the line. Its important to live healthy and avoid future ailments starting from now. But sometimes this cannot be helped. There are ways to cure, repair and sustain naturally. At some point it all starts with what you eat. The older you grow the more prone you are to mental and physical deterioration. Although I've seen people at the age of 70 still fit, so very active and wiser beyond generations to come. They know that it all lies in your lifestyle. Eat the right foods and avoid the bad types, you can lead a marvelous life. Teach your kids from a young age, and watch them grow into Einsteins with extreme performance levels. Below are some of the bad types of foods to consume. Yes they make a huge difference between serious health risks and living healthy.

Unhealthy / Bad Foods For The Brain.

1. Artificial sweeteners
2. High concentrated sugary drinks / fizzy drinks / cokes etc.
3. Alcohol
4. nicotine
5. energy drinks
6. greasy foods
7. candies (high sugars)
8. hydrogenated fats
9. High glycemic index foods (Rice cakes, weetabix, doughnuts, waffles, white bread)
10. processed foods

All the above, at some point will wear and tear if not deteriorate your brain overtime. It is important to know that with the bad foods mentioned above, can either kill brain cells, reduce blood flow and oxygen to the brain, clogging of arteries, destabilization of sugar levels in the blood. Get used to eating and living healthy during your day. its the small things that count, and remember moderation is key. Even overeating is very unhealthy!

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