Brain Nutrition, What You Should Know About What You Feed Your Brain
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There are some things you should know if you want to provide yourself with proper brain nutrition. Making sure our minds are getting vital nutrients is critical to protecting the long term health of one of our most important organs.
Brain nutrition is not just about eating health, but about consciously incorporating vitamins, minerals and other substances into our diet that are powerful in their effect on the brain. Just as we focus on lowering fats and increasing things like fiber in our diets when we're concerned about our hearts, there are things we need to make sure we have daily in order to help our minds.
Nutrition and the brain is important, but it doesn't have to be confusing or time consuming. You may already be eating some of the things you need. In fact if you are trying to eat heart healthy you are already a good step ahead of many out there. Lower fat diets are also good for the brain.
However, one of the things that most of us struggle with is getting fruits and vegetables into our diet. Missing the vital nutrients of fruits and veggies is not only bad for us in general, but may impact the quality of our minds as we age.
To start with, brain nutrition requires a diet that is strong in antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage by particles called "free radicals". Damage from free radicals can break down cells, harm DNA and cause a host of other problems. In fact some scientists believe that free radicals may be a contributing factor in the break down of the brain as we age as well as in the formation of diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. Antioxidants are the first line of defense against the damage caused by these particles.
Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants found in a healthy diet, but they are not the only ones. Fruits and Veggies are loaded with antioxidants which makes them an essential part of nutrition and the brain.
In addition to C and E it is an important part of brain nutrition to get plenty of B complex vitamins. B complex vitamins help the body maximize the energy it gets when it burns food. The brain is one of the largest users of both oxygen and energy, making it critical that we are getting the most out of our food. B complex vitamins also help protect nerve cells from damage as well as assist in red blood cell production (which helps with oxygen transport to the brain). B complex vitamins are found in both vegetables and whole grains.
Minerals are also an important component of nutrition and the brain. Minerals like Iron and Manganese play a role in helping the body use certain vitamins as well as produce various enzymes and neurotransmitters. These are critical in the functioning of nerve cells.
The reality of trying to build a diet focused on nutrition and the brain is that we don't always have the time or desire to eat the recommended daily requirement for fruits and vegetables. It may be necessary to turn to supplements that contain these ingredients in order to get the levels we need.
Supplements that contain vitamins and minerals have been out there for years. However, recent advances have produced some that are specifically geared for the brain. Not only do these supplements include the items mentioned above, they also contain herbs and other compounds that have been shown to enhance the brain. Herbs such as Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng, which increases blood flow (and thereby oxygen) to the brain as well as improves mood and memory. Compounds such as huperzine A, which protects neurotransmitters from being destroyed in the body may also be included in these supplements.
As with any supplements, consult a medical expert familiar with these ingredients before including them in your diet. While usually safe, there can be interactions with certain prescription drugs so make sure you do your homework.
Related: Brain Nutrition, What You Should Know About What You Feed Your Brain
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Your birds have a much better chance to live longer, healthier lives when they are offered proper nutrition.
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