Brain foods

Brain Foods
Natural Defence Against Biowarfare

The foods you eat directly affect your brain performance. It has been proven that by eating the right food, you can help boost your IQ, improve your mood & memory.

The 3 key elements to boost your brain power & keep your brain healthy are:
1.Food
2.Water
3.Oxygen

Food :-
For brain cells to communicate effectively with each other to create neural pathways, they require chemicals called “neurotransmitters”. Neurotransmitters are the ‘messengers’ carrying messages from neuron to neuron. Neurotransmitters are made from amino acids, & vitamins & minerals are needed to convert ordinary amino acids into neurotransmitters.

The 3 key neurotransmitters are:
Acetylcholine
This neurotransmitter ‘excites’ other neurons & are responsible for memory. It is involved with the movement of muscles, behavioral inhibition, drinking & memory. People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease are found to have decreased acetylcholine.

Dopamine
Dopamine has many functions in the brain, including important roles in behavior & cognition, sleep, mood, attention & learning. People with Parkinson’s disease may have less or damaged dopamine.

Serotonin
In the central nervous system, serotonin is believed to play an important role in the regulation of anger, aggression, body temperature, mood, sleep, sexuality, & appetite. Low levels of serotonin may be associated with several disorders, namely increase in aggressive & angry behaviors, clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anxiety disorders etc.

Brain Foods – Building Blocks for the Brain
Protein
Protein provides the building blocks for most of the body’s tissues, nerves, brain & heart. Proteins are used to make neurotransmitters & are essential to improve mental performance.

Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are not essential nutrients; the body can obtain all its energy from protein & fats. Grains, fruits & vegetables are key sources of carbohydrates (complex carbohydrates). Digestion causes the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, which is the brain’s primary source of energy. Extreme fluctuation of glucose levels may cause dizziness and convulsions.

Fat
Fats play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin & hair, insulating body organs against shock, maintaining body temperature, & promoting healthy cell function. Fats are used as the body’s primary source of energy. Our brain cells are covered by myelin sheath (approximately 75% fat). Some fatty acids (eg. Omega 3 fatty acids) are essential nutrients, and can’t be produced in the body and need to be consumed. Lack of Omega 3 in your diet can lead to depression, poor memory, low IQ, learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADD & other mental disorders.

Vitamins, Minerals & Herbs
Folic acid enhances the brain’s production of energy
Lipoic acid increases brain energy levels
Boron acts as a powerful brain stimulant
Potassium transports oxygen to the brain
Selenium concentrates in the brain
Vitamin B3 increases blood circulation to the brain
The brain contains the second highest concentration of vitamin C
Vitamin E protects the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain from oxidative damage
Ginkgo biloba increases blood circulation to the brain, increases the supply of oxygen to the brain & helps prevent free radical damage to the brain’s neurons

In Summary:
Fats build your brain & the proteins unite it. Carbohydrates fuel it & the micronutrients defend it!

Water :-
Water makes up approximately 80% of the blood & acts as a transport system, delivering nutrients to the brain & eliminating toxins. For the brain to function at an optimal level, it needs to be fully hydrated. Water is therefore essential & vital for concentration & mental alertness. Studies have shown that majority are permanently partially dehydrated. This can mean that the brain is working below its capacity & potential. It is advised to drink at least 2 liters of water every day.

Oxygen:-
Usually after a heavy meal, most of your body's oxygen is being used by your stomach and digestive system as it digests the food you have eaten. This means that your brain is being denied much of the oxygen it needs to function effectively and stay mentally alert. This is why you tend to feel sleepy after a heavy meal. Therefore, you should try to eat little and often as well as eating your main meal either at lunchtime or before 7pm. Practise correct, deep breathing exercises also allows the body to absorb more oxygen than normal breathing.