5 Foods Every Squirrel Brain Needs Now!
Everyone has heard the expression,
"You are what you eat."
This very simple saying means more and more each day as we gain a greater understanding about how foods affect us.
The food you put into your body has an effect on your physical appearance, energy levels, bodily processes and how well your brain functions. Your brain is a system of chemical connections firing off at each other so fast that it's almost impossible to fathom. Well, the food you eat affects the chemical make up of your brain, altering how it acts and works. There are things you can do to regulate this chemical reaction on a daily basis, and it's simpler than you may think! Eating certain foods can specifically affect different functions of the body, the chemicals in your brain, and help you better focus and concentrate.
Here are some healthy foods you can eat to help optimize both your body and mind:
Protein
Protein helps balance your blood sugar, increases focus, and gives your brain the necessary building blocks for brain health.
A healthy brain produces hundreds of neurotransmitters needed for regular maintenance of the brain and needs protein to do so.
Neurotransmitters help send messages between nerve cells in the brain. When it comes to focus and concentration (or any other brain activity) we definitely want to give our brains a fighting chance.
Lean meat, poultry, fish beans and nut butters are great sources of protein.
Starting your day with protein
is a great way to support your brain!
Eat from the rainbow
Eat foods that reflect the colors of the rainbow, such as blueberries, pomegranates, wolfberries, yellow squash, and red bell peppers and leafy greens. The more colors you eat the more vitamins you are consuming. They also boost the antioxidant levels in your body and help keep your brain functioning well!
Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or when you're exposed to things like: air pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol intake , toxins (this includes personal care products and cleaning supplies), high blood sugar levels ,radiation, including excessive sunbathing, bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, Our cells are made up electrons and neutrons. The free radicals (damaged cells) try and steal an electron from the healthy cell. Antioxidants give our cells and the free radicals that electron. Makes sense why we need a lot of antioxidants in our diet, When we have a lot of cell damage it can effect how our brain is working.
Good Fats
Did you know that your brain is 60% fat? Our brain functions the best when we feed it a balanced diet that includes lots of good fats. Good? yes there is more then one type of fat.
Saturated fats
These are found in things like red meat, cheese, butter, coconut oil. These fats are healthy when eaten in balanced amounts.
Unsaturated fats
There are two types of unsaturated fats:
1. Monounsaturated fats
These are found in high concentrations in olive oil, peanut oil and avocados. These are considered omega 9 oils.
2. Polyunsaturated fats
Omega-3 fatty acids come in three forms:
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), found mainly in fish like salmon and mackerelDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA), also found mainly in fish
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from plant sources like flaxseed, vegetable oils, and nuts
For optimal brain function we want to consume lots of omega 3s.
Omega 6 essential fatty acids are found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils
We want a to make sure we get a balance of Omegas. Sometimes supplementing these essential fatty acids is necessary.
Trans Fats
These are found in things like margarine and vegetable oils. You want to avoid these oils. If you see hydrogenated oil on a label put it down!
Spices
Studies show that some herbs and spices benefit the brain and cognition:
- Turmeric may decrease the plaque in the brain thought to be responsible for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Saffron extract was found to be as effective as medication in affecting mood levels in some cases.
- Rosemary, thyme, and sage help boost memory.
- Cinnamon has been shown to help attention and blood flow.
- Garlic and oregano boost blood flow to the brain.
Chocolate
Yup! You read that right! Chocolate is good for your brain!
Dark chocolate has cocoa flavanoids which have been shown to help with focus. I am not suggesting that you eat the super sugary milk chocolate. Dark chocolate with the highest percentage you can find.
Information courtesy of Dr. Robyn Croutch
