The Importance of Optimal Brain Nutrition
from www.healthinmotion.wordpress.com
Just as the type of fuel you put into your car can positively or negatively affect its performance, the type of food you eat can significantly affect the functioning of your body. Even more importantly, the type of food that you consume will positively or negatively impact your mental performance and the functioning of your brain. Everyone knows that your intelligence, mental power, and memory are products of your brain function, but just as importantly, the brain and central nervous system send the signals that control the movements of all of our muscles. Give your brain the right fuel and not only will your memory improve, but your physical performance will also! This is why optimal brain nutrition is such an important aspect of your diet.
The Brain is a Hungry Organ
The brain only weighs a few pounds, but because the brain is so important to the overall functioning of your body, it gets about 20% of the blood flow from the body. An even greater portion of the total nutrients we consume ends up in the brain. So you can think of your diet and the way you eat as having a significant impact on your brain nutrition. The brain is the engine that powers our bodies, and it cannot be stated enough that an unhealthy brain is a low-powered brain. And a low-powered brain can lead to slow thinking, a foggy memory and general sluggishness. Over time, this can lead to mental decline.
What Can You Do To Improve Your Brain Nutrition?
The very first step you can take to improve your brain nutrition is to understand that a natural, plant-based diet rich in fruits, nuts, and including lean meats and fish will do wonders for your health and the functioning of your body. Your brain is a fatty organ but only the right types of fats, known as essential fatty acids, will help it to run most efficiently. Those essential fatty acids known as Omega-3s, present in high quantities in fish, are very important. Several different types of nuts will provide your brain with Omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews, and walnuts are a few kinds that are easy to obtain. Avoid fast food! Eat vegetables! Take these initial steps to improve your brain nutrition and you will be sure to see an improvement in your mental functioning, memory, and the overall quality of your life.
