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Importance Of Mind Nutrition

by Victor Fama

The mind is one of the most vital organs in the human biological system that assists us in facilitating our daily activities. We really cannot perform our physical functions without using mind power. However, the human brain is subject to deterioration if not properly taken care of and this is more likely to result in memory loss and other memory-related issues. In order to prevent this from occurring, it is crucial for an individual to understand the importance of mind nutrition.

Many researchers have shown that the food you put on your plate plays a significant role in the increase and decrease of your intelligence as well as its overall facets including concentration, attention span, emotional response, problem solving and mood. As such, it is advised that a person should indulge in a diet of healthful mind nutrition composed of substances like balanced sugar (and NO high-fructose corn syrup) and essential fats that helps fuel the brain, phospholipids that are known for its ability to enhance memory, amino acids that heighten the functions of brain neurotransmitters, and of course vitamins and minerals which are essential nutrients that keeps the in tune. While there are nutrients that could boost brain functions, there are also "anti-nutrients" that you should be aware of that could significantly cause the speedier deterioration of your brain, these includes refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup, food allergens, damaged fats, toxic minerals, food chemicals like synthetic preservatives. Almost all of which are found on junk food, take-out meals and fried food.

Accordingly, in order to improve brain function, eating natural food products partnered with regular exercise is always the best option. In fact, it has been well documented that fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals like antioxidants and anthocyanin, that enhance memory and other functions of the human brain. These phytochemicals combats free radicals in the body, which are the primary contributors for memory loss and aging. Nonetheless, as free radicals provide unnecessary oxygen to our cells, they often cause the rise of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Cancer and Cardiovascular diseases; hence, aside from aging phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables protects us from these deadly diseases. Well known memory food taking the form of vegetables and fruits includes spinach, egg plant, onion, cherries, soy, apples, grapes, broccoli and red beet among others.

Vegetables and fruits aside, herbs also have a well documented history in enhancing a person's mental capabilities. Modern medical research has shown that herbs that belongs to the four G's--gingko, gotu kola, panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng contain substances that could enhance concentration, aptitude, alertness and intelligence. Likewise, it has also been found out that the same substances contained in these herbs also increase the activities carried out by brain neurotransmitters. Other notable brain herbs include rosemary which is regarded as the plant of memory, sage which is a cure for failing memory, and passion flower which reduces anxiety and improves overall mood.

Along with vegetables, fruits and herbs, fish is also considered as memory food that reinforces proper brain functioning. Fish contains high levels of choline and omega-3 fatty acids, substances that are directly linked to brain functionality. Accordingly, choline, which is a type of B-vitamin is said to have positive effects on the human hippocampus which is the center of the brain memory. Meanwhile, omega-3 acids which are usually contained in fish oil helps the proper formation of brain nerve cell membranes and also increases membrane fluidity, thereby enhancing moods and mental behavior.

Food is essential and can be considered as the primary recipe for good health for the body and brain. Hence, if you wish to maximize your potential, it is therefore imperative that you provide your brain with the right mind nutrition. A satisfied brain is truly your wealth as it would ensure you that you could properly perform your physical activities for more years to come. If you've been suffering from forgetfulness, it's about time that you make significant changes on your eating habits and the food you feed on; it's important to start early so that you could be guaranteed that you won't suffer from memory loss when you're already aging.

In order to properly take care of your brain, it is important that you provide it with the right mind nutrition. There are certain kinds of memory food in the form of vegetables and fruits that could enhance not only your memory but would also protect you from degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer. Brain herbs like rosemary and gingko could power up your brain power.

Published July 29th, 2010

Filed in Food