Among the changes and challenges we face during the winter months, there are some things that remain the same. In school, students still have to be focused and attentive and teachers must be alert and organized. At home, parents need to be supportive of their children and take care of their home, and themselves, all while getting through the many holidays. At work, employees have to be their best and perform their jobs as needed. All these actions require one thing: Brainpower.
Eating a well-balanced diet is essential to keeping our bodies working optimally and it is also vital to maintaining a healthy brain. Did you know there are specific foods you can eat that will help your brain work better? When you purposely nourish your brain, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised by the results.
The brain is made up of about 60% fat so contrary to what you may think, it is good to keep healthy fats in your diet. Healthy, fat-enriched foods like avocados, seeds, and nuts are high in vitamin E, which assists in fighting free radicals and preventing cognitive decline. Wild salmon, flax, chia, codfish, and soybeans are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have been proven to be essential for brain health and development, including sharpened focus, better cognition, and improved mood.
You may already know that blueberries are a superfood, but did you know that research has found blueberries can help reduce the risk of age-related illnesses? Studies have also shown that adding blueberries to your daily diet can improve cognitive and motor skills. This is even more of a reason to add these delicious berries to your smoothies, pancakes, and yogurts. Another superfood is spinach, which has been shown to help delay dementia and block DNA damage. Spinach contains folate and vitamin E which are both linked to better brain function.
Energy is a necessity for blood to flow from the heart to the organs. It's especially important for the proper functioning of your brain. A daily balanced glucose intake (with a low glycemic index) is ideal for energy flow through the bloodstream. Brown rice, sweet potatoes, oats, whole grains, and bran are good starches you can add to your daily consumption.
As we gear up for the new school year, start packing your pantry with brain-healthy foods for the whole family. While we are savoring the final days of summer, here is one of my recipes, the Better Berry Brain Booster, that the whole family can enjoy!
¾ cup wild blueberries
½ cup strawberries
½ ripe banana
1 cup packed spinach
1 scoop plant-based, vanilla protein powder
8-10 oz of cashew or almond milk (for a nice creamy finish!)
Blend ingredients