If you are what you eat, then your mind power might depend on the food you consume. As a population, our awareness of the nutritional values of various foods continues to grow. With a new focus on antioxidant-rich super foods and the rise and fall of fad diets, the influx of information on what constitutes a “healthy” food can make it harder to shop for groceries. Knowing which foods can boost your mind power before you enter the grocery store can really help reduce the time you spend at the store, help you stay on task, and increase your mind’s abilities.
In recent years, no-carb and low-carb diets have exploded in popularity. While these diets may help you lose weight quickly, there are reasons to skip this route. Your brain relies on you eating enough glucose for it to operate, and the primary source of glucose is carbohydrates. In denying yourself various carbohydrates, you severely limit your mind power. The trick is making sure your carbohydrates are more than empty calories. Try whole-grain bread instead of traditional, unhealthy options.
Foods that are high in antioxidants boost your immune system and help keep you healthy. Many fruits are high in antioxidants. Blueberries, pomegranates and the acai berry are all high in antioxidants. Red wine is not only good for your heart, but is rich in polyphenolic antioxidants. Keeping your body healthy with the aid of antioxidants will extend into a healthy brain with improved functionality.
Consuming fats are a necessary and unavoidable part of anyone’s diet. The idea is to eat foods that are composed of good fats and avoid those nasty trans-fats. Omega-3 fatty acid is a very healthy choice in terms of fat, and can be found in many tasty foods you may already eat. All the seafood lovers will be relieved to know that their beloved salmon is a nutrient-rich food. Tuna is another good choice. When eating fish, be aware of the potential presence of heavy metals, which can cause mercury poisoning. This is only a risk for daily fish consumption, and the risk is small enough that it comes nowhere near outweighing the benefits.
When we think of healthy food, it is not often in a positive light. However, with our country trying to combat obesity, more advances are being taken to revolutionize the taste factor of healthy foods. A healthy diet allows you to increase your mind power and become more alert. Both mind and body benefit from a deliciously balanced diet.
