Saturday, July 4, 2009

SuperFoods for Feeding Your Brain


The old maxim - "You are what you eat," may be more truth than fiction! Scientific research on certain so-called "brain foods" reveals some chemicals in the foods we enjoy go right to work in our brains! Some compounds are known to produce a beneficial effect on our brain activity!

Chocolate can lift your mood! And cocoa - the good stuff in chocolate - can improve blood vessel function, boosting circulation throughout the body and blood flow to the brain. The good stuff in cocoa may even help reduce the formation of damaging clots, which can lead to heart disease or even stroke.

Walnuts are well known to feed your brain. The United States Food and Drug Administration agrees that eating just 1.5 ounces per day of walnuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. Walnuts also help maintain elasticity in your arteries. Healthy arteries enable your heart to function more efficiently!

And no healthy brain-food story would be complete without some mention of cold water fish. Salmon - that wonderful and delicious source of healthy omega-3 fats - feeds your brain and nerve cells! Try some grilled salmon or tasty salmon patties at your next barbecue.

Flaxseeds are another healthy source of omega-3 fats. Flaxseed meal and flour also offers a good supply of fiber that can help lower your cholesterol. Sprinkle some ground flaxseeds in with your morning yogurt or add to a healthy breakfast shake!

The purple skin of eggplants contains a flavonoid compound that may help protect brain cells from free-radical damage. Other phytonutrients found in eggplants can help lower your cholesterol and keep your blood vessels healthy!

Give your brain - and your body - the healthy nutrients they need to perform at their maximum! Keep eating healthy foods and have a healthy, Happy 4th of July!