A far cry from yesterday’s piglet festival post…I received a booklet from the grocery store a week or so ago. Much to my surprise there was a lot of good information inside, not just coupons and recipes. It has not hit the trash can yet, so it still holds my interest. In turn, I began reading more health brain food articles across the Internet. Food for thought, seems it is not just an old saying.
Do you know the #1 food that can assist with memory problems, and even reverse some age-related memory loss? Blueberries. Across the board, blueberries are THE word. And blueberries are also cancer-fighting as well. It appears blueberries can be labeled a “superfood,” based on the memory and cancer-fighting boosts they give to our body.
Do you know what the #1 beverage is for assisting with a huge variety of health issues? Green tea. Cold or hot, sweetened or unsweetened, green tea has been shown to decrease the presence of enzymes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Green tea has also been reported to help headaches, depression, cholesterol, arthritis, and immunity function. Black tea is also good for the health, however, and surprisingly, the healthy effects in the body last much longer with green tea.
Fish (or foods high in Omega-3 fats) also does the brain big favors. Omega-3 fats help the brain relay and transmit information more effectively. Brain Dean, MS, RD, says that much of our brain is composed of fats, and the type of fats we eat are reflected in the type of fats in our brain, he says, “It is a classic example of, you are what you eat.” Scary to some of us? Yes!
Grape juice may reduce inflammation in the brain which is an important factor when treating Alzheimer’s and other age-related memory problems. Some say grape juice also has similar benefits to red wine, which helps the blood cholesterol, helps to prevent blood clots, and to maintain blood pressure. The general recommendation is 4-6 ounces a day.
Generally speaking, any food or drink that is healthy enough to help lower and maintain the body’s cholesterol levels, is also a good “brain food,” foods that are low in fat and high in fiber.
Foods that can/might impair brain function are those high in carbohydrates (but low in fiber), and high fat foods (saturated fats), such as red meat.
Perhaps now I can make better purchases at the grocery store…help these silly little bouts of forgetfulness that bestow me now and then? One would only hope! But…then…I wouldn’t want to give up the chocolate cravings, would I???
Have a relaxing weekend!
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