Did you know that the average lighting bolt is hotter than the sun’s surface? How’s that for brain food?
That’s what you’ll find in the Urban Dictionary when you look up the definition of “brain food.” The term is sometimes used to describe how new information or stories may stimulate or wow the brain.
You may find the literal definition of the term to be actual food for thought. The foods that we eat and don’t eat affect our brains. Twenty percent of the body’s energy is used up by the brain in a typical adult, in both wake and resting states. That high cost of energy usage of the brain is responsible for sustaining it even when you’re sleeping. This organ is arguably the most important in our body.
With nerve cells communicating with each other, toxins being removed from your brain with the aid of sleep, and many other functions. It is crucial to ensure it gets the nutrients it needs to function optimally and protect it from diseases. Unhealthy food consumption causes inflammation of neurons and the formation of new neurons is inhibited.
Alzheimer’s and dementia have now reached more than 6 million people in America. Breast cancer and prostate cancer combined have killed fewer people. You may be eating yourself into a world of cognitive decline right now if you’re not avoiding ultra-processed food and making sure to eat healthily.
The good news is that you can make immediate changes to increase brain health functions and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Below is a list of food that promotes health in the brain and helps it operate at its best:
- Dark Leafy Greens
- Legumes
- Avocado
- Chia Seeds
- Sardines (pay attention to sodium levels)
- Walnuts
- Blueberries
- Goji Berries
- Chick Peas
Adding the above healthy items to your eating habits, proper rest, exercise, reading and making it a point to minimize stress in your life are essential keys to optimizing your brain’s health.
A great initial step is to talk with your primary doctor to asses your current brain health and get advice on suggested best practices for your specific health state. Your brain has approximately 70,000 thoughts daily; dedicating a few of them to caring for and optimizing your brain may be a good idea.
Just some food for thought.
Words by Kaba Abdul-Fattaah.
