Experts estimate that it is within
our control to maintain at least two-thirds of our brain health.
For anyone concerned about failing memory and who
is willing to work at preserving it, this fact offers a great
deal of relief. There’s no getting around it. What you
eat goes to your head, so logically you want to make food choices
that keep brain activity humming. Medical experts have also
identified a few key supplements that help your body to keep
the brain as healthy and young as possible. And finally, don’t
beg off from exercise, as it plays a significant part in preserving
Bona Fide Brain Food
Foods of color—The brain requires
plenty of antioxidants to combat all the free radicals
that seek to destroy neurons. Eat dark green vegetables
like spinach and broccoli, red foods such as tomatoes and
peppers, deep yellow gourds like squash, and fruits such
as blueberries and raspberries. The pigment of the food
determines its antioxidant potential, so choose the most
colorful fruits and vegetables you can find.
Fish—About 60% of the brain is actually
fat, so consuming healthy fats is vital for mental health.
That doesn’t mean slathering butter and sour cream
on a baked potato, though. The fat must come from a source
like salmon or other coldwater fish that provides hefty amounts
of Omega-3 fatty acids, as they do an outstanding job of
keeping the brain in top working order. Salmon also provides
DMAE, which is important for the production of neurotransmitters
that help nerve and muscle cells communicate. Don’t
think salmon could be that incredible? Try it and you’ll
be a convert!
Protein—The amino acids in protein
provide the material from which 80% of the brain’s
neurotransmitters are made. Eating adequate amounts of protein
from fish, poultry, soy and whey can keep you clear-headed
and less moody.
Seven Supplements for Super Thinking Abilities
- Ginkgo biloba—Highly effective
at promoting cerebral circulation, which in turn
- Huperzine A—Helps block an enzyme
that destroys acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter
that plays a key role in the formation of short-term
memory. Huperzine A is derived from a club moss that
has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine.
- Phosphatidylserine—Plays a major
role in maintaining the integrity and fluidity of
cell membranes, which keeps the brain working at maximum
- Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids—The
lining of the brain and the outer membranes of neurons
are comprised of Omega-3 fatty acids. Nourishing
your brain with Omega-3 EFAs from food or supplements helps
maintain their structure and integrity.
- Vitamin B Complex—Researchers
find that keeping homocysteine levels in the healthy
range not only benefits cardiovascular health, but
it largely influences brain health, too. There is no better
combination than B-6, B-12, and Folic Acid for accomplishing
- Vitamin E—Since the majority
of the brain is comprised of fat, this fat-soluble
antioxidant works wonders to protect it.
- NADH—As a coenzyme, NADH plays
a key role in the energy production of our cells
and neurotransmitter processes.
Exercise Keeps the Brain Fit, Too.
Exercise is imperative for brain health, but it doesn’t
have to be overwhelming. A daily 30-minute walk can help keep
the brain working at full capacity, even promoting the growth
of new nerve cells and boosting learning and memory. Why not
outfit yourself with a Walkman and listen to books on CDs or
tapes as you briskly hike around your neighborhood?