BRAINFOOD – FOOD THAT SHARPENS OUR MINDS

We are what we eat. And we are becoming more and more interested in the properties of the food we consume, knowing the effects and benefits they offer our bodies. While there are foods that improve our skin and hair, our energy and even our mood, there are others that favor and accelerate our mental capacity, resulting in great long-term benefits. These are the foods you need to consume for your brain to work better and faster:
–Green leafy vegetables: they have a wide variety; cooked or in the infamous “smoothie”, vegetables such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, broccoli, sage or kale are great sources of vitamin E and folic acid, which favors the maintenance of nerve cells in the brain.
–Avocado: this food which is favorable for our organisms due to its antioxidant properties and its positive caloric contribution, also protects the nervous system and the flexibility of brain cell membranes.</p>

–Eggs: perfect to eat as a healthy and low-calorie snack; the yolk contains a nutrient that activates a neurotransmitter which decelerates memory loss.

–Oily fish: fish such as sardines or salmon, great sources of omega 3 and fatty acids, favor the correct functioning of neurons.
Whole grain cereals: when consumed unrefined, these low-absorption cereals provide a stable glucose delivery for the brain.

–Nuts and seeds: nuts like pecans, whose habitual and moderate consumption prevents free radicals from harming brain cells and contributes to memory improvement, as well as peanuts which provide antioxidant effects to protect against neuron damage, are great allies of proper brain development.
Seeds, such as the sesame or chia variety, which have great antioxidant power, are also greatly beneficial to cerebral activity.
–Pure chocolate: The consumption of chocolate favors positive aspects such as the secretion of endorphins or the improvement of blood flow to the brain.
–Olive oil: known for its benefits such as improvements in our immune system or bone density, the oil also protects brain cells and prevents them from ageing.

–Water: hydration is an essential step for the proper functioning of our body and mind. Drinking at least 2 liters of water every day improves each and every bodily function, including agility of mind and concentration. It is important to provide our body with sufficient water, as dehydration affects our cognitive functioning.

A good way to do this is by drinking green tea, as it contains beneficial properties such as stimulating mental agility and memory improvement.

Photography: Katie at the Kitchen Door, Adventures in cooking
Text by Paula C.