MAKANAN OTAK 3 - Brain Boosting Foods

The 'Famous Five' Brain Boosting Foods! 1. Blueberries. High in antioxidants, they are rich in Vitamins C and vitamin E. Now antioxidants play a key role in fighting the damaging effects of free radicals. When free radicals are out of control in our bodies, then all-sorts of health problems arise, such as chronic diseases, accelarated aging, cancers etc. Now blueberries have a high ORAC rating, and you will see that they are a potent free radical fighter. Also in laboratory tests, where rats were fed blueberries, they experienced slowed rates of age-related loss in mental capacity. 2. Eggs Generally a very common item when you shop, let's face it eggs are used extensively in all sorts of cooking however, eggs contain several nutrients that are believed to be good for your brain and good for your body too. The first nutrient is... selenium. Now, not only does selenium act as a powerful antioxidant but it also believed to boost brain health and also strengthen the immune system. Choline is another impotant nutrient found in egg yolks, and it plays a vital role in helping healthy cell membranes along with its ability to help mental function and memory. Choline is especially important for children under seven because their grey matter is in the early stages of development. A little warning though, eggs are high in cholesterol, so be careful. Eggs also contain Vitamin A, which is important for good night vision and healthy skin. Two of the B vitamins that are associated with helping energy production in the body are Vitamin E (also found in blueberries), Folate (important for the prevention of birth defects) and riboflavin.   3. Mustard Now mustard contains an amazing nutrient called turmeric (Curcuma longa) which is also an antioxidant. This is believed to stimulate your immune system. There are many health benefits associated with a healthier immune system such as dealing with allergies, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes and heart disease. 4. Salmon Along with other oily fish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These acids contain DHA, which helps the brain transmit signals. Memory loss can result if there are low levels of DHA, even things like lack of concentration, mood disturbances, depression, schizophrenia and autism. Salmon is high in the essential vitamins A, E, D and C and important minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium and selenium. 5. Kale (Brassica oleracea). Now here is a real nutritional powerhouse. It contains Carotenoids and flavonoids which help to slow mental decline associated with aging and help reduce your risk for cataracts. Kale is also an excellent source of Vitamin C too. Just one daily portion provides a massive 89% of your daily vitamin C requirement! Any More Brain Boosting Foods? 6. Strawberries Strawberries in particular, contain a flavenoid called fisetin which can improve memory however blueberries are still the best choice for aging grey matter. 7. Freshly-Ground Coffee Beans They are also rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. Recent studies have shown coffee drinking on a regular basis, can reduce the risk of dementia. And research in South Korea found it can even slow the growth of brain tumours.   8. Nuts Yes, go nuts! Because they contain lots of brain-healthy vitamin E, believed to help prevent memory loss due to aging. Walnuts are a great choice because, like salmon, they are also packed with omega-3. Cashews are another good one as they are rich in magnesium which has the ability to allow more oxygen into the brain's blood cells. Peanuts a worth a mention as they also contain grey matter-boosting choline (found in egg yolk). If possible, try and opt for the un-salted variety of nuts, as too much salt can raise your blood pressure. Also nuts can be fattening, so don't over-do it. http://www.antioxidants-guide.com/brain_boosting_foods.html