Feed Your Brain: 5 Foods That Improve Mental Function

Give your brain the foods it needs!

Losing weight and developing a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about knowing how many calories to consume every day. It’s not a simple starvation technique to get rid of a jiggly tummy, it’s a commitment and an ongoing learning experience to help keep your body as healthy as it can be. Knowing what foods to put in your body to give you the results you want is something that can take your goals to another level: the level of long-term success.

If you just wanted to lose weight, you probably could have just cut calories and bumped up the exercise but if you want to maintain the healthy functioning of all your body’s best parts you probably already know that the mental aspects of weight loss can sometimes be the most challenging of obstacles. Long work days can leave your body tired, and your mind exhausted making it even more difficult to choose less appealing food options when comfort food is at hand or to drag yourself into your gym or running shoes.

Cognitive function is an important aspect of your health, your diet and your weight management. Here are the top 5 brain-boosting foods to support your quick wit, and mental energy.

Nuts


A recent study on walnut consumption showed that there was a correlation with better cognitive functions and improved scores on memory tests.(1) Both walnuts and almonds contain unsaturated fats, vitamin E and other nutrients like folate that have also been shown to help reduce the likelihood of the development of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s. Pick up a trail mix that include these healthy nuts for a memory boost!

Blueberries


Not only are blueberries packed with antioxidants that boost immunity, and support healthy cellular function they also boost cognitive functions like memory. Scientists reported the first evidence from human trials that blueberries actually improve memory. Scientists say those who consumed blueberry juice showed significant improvements in learning and memory tests.(2)

Green Tea
In Japan, it is common to socialize over a cup of green tea. The natural compound found in green tea called EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) has been shown to offer a variety of health benefits. Recently, the first study to examine the associated between green tea consumption and cognitive function in humans was completed. Results showed that those who had high consumption of green tea had a lower risk of cognitive impairment.(3) Shop here for a delicious green tea blended with peppermint leaves.

Fish
Salmon, tuna and other tasty fish contain essential fats including Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are essential to the healthy functioning of all cells in the body and offer a wide variety of health benefits. These same fats are found in nuts, and may be responsible for improving learning ability, memory and help fight against mental disorders like depression, and dementia. Children who have increased amounts of these omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to perform better in school, especially in reading and spelling and had fewer behavioral problems.(4) Shop here for a fish oil supplement that contains Omega-3 fatty acids.

Whole Grains


Ever wonder why people get addicted to carbohydrate-rich foods? Carbs stimulate the release of a hormone called serotonin, a feel-good hormone that improves mood and sometimes has a calming effect. Whole grains contain vitamin b6, a nutrient that raises the production of serotonin in the brain. Whole grains provide the carbs along with other nutrients you need like magnesium, to ensure the immediate use of carbohydrates into energy so they aren’t stored as fat.

Get smart and grab some of these tasty foods today, to boost memory and maybe even get a little pick-me-up in the mood department. Shop here for Quinoa, a versatile whole grain that contains essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals and is easy to digest.

References:

  1. http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8549174
  2. http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=PP_ARTICLEMAIN&node_id=223&content_id=CNBP_023905&use_sec=true&sec_url_var=region1&__uuid=
  3. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20060217/green-tea-may-do-wonders-for-brain
  4. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709161922.htm

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SkinnyMs.

The SkinnyMs. team believes that all people, regardless of age, size, and fitness level, have the power to transform their lives — they just need the resources to do so. The SkinnyMs. method promotes healthy living through a combination of clean eating and regular exercise. We offer everything you need to be successful.

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