You exercise on a regular basis, you eat well and you get the right amount of sleep. You do all the right things but somehow looking for your keys has become a daily drama and remembering your new colleague’s name seems like an impossible task. This “fuzziness” can also get us into serious trouble, practically speaking. Fuzzy drivers, for instance, tend to attract fuzzy accidents. Fuzzy machine operators; well…let’s not go there.
The good news? There are plenty of accessible ways to sharpen your mind and memory with some great options waiting for you in your fridge and pantry. We have become increasingly aware that there are certain “smart foods” out there…but what are they and how can they help? Or have you forgotten?
It’s a good thing when the thing that’s good for you tastes great too! Pure cocoa powder (which means the real stuff – not with mini-marshmallows) has almost 3 times the amount of antioxidants than green tea.
Smart foods aid in protecting the brain’s blood vessels and nerve cells from the damage of free radicals and good, old-fashioned aging. As an extra bonus, these foods are also good for the heart:
Garlic: Oh garlic…who doesn’t like it? Well, maybe the person you’re talking to, but so what? It contains strong antioxidant and antiviral properties that ultimately help the workings of your brain.
Blueberries: Studies have proven that blueberry-rich diets improve motor skills, memory and actually reverse age-related downturns in balance and coordination.
Dark, Leafy Things: Collard greens, Swiss chard, spinach et al. keep your levels of homocysteines down (which is a good thing…because homocysteines are bad and linked with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.)
Fish, Fish and more Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, sardine and herring are chocked full of neuroprotective omega-3 fatty acids. Higher levels of omega-3 mean higher levels of “feel good, think sharp” serotonin.
Red, Red Wine: A glass of red wine is good for us on a number of levels, including sharpening the old grey matter. Concord grape juice is even better (just not as fun.) As a matter of fact, Concord grape juice contains some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruit, vegetable or juice.
Brown Rice and Other Whole Grains: Loaded with B-vitamins and magnesium, grains seem to be a key ingredient to cognitive functioning.
Pure Cocoa Powder: It’s a good thing when the thing that’s good for you tastes great too! Pure cocoa powder (which means the real stuff – not with mini-marshmallows) has almost 3 times the amount of antioxidants than green tea. Antioxidants = less oxidative damage your brain cells.
Some other smart edibles to toss into your grocery cart? Nuts (in particular, walnuts and almonds – rich in antioxidants and omega-3), olive oil (which contains the powerful antioxidant polyphenol), oh and…
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In short, brain foods tend to be heavy in omega-3 fatty acids, which help blood vessels and nerve cells in your brain function more optimally. It’s not hard to recognize foods that tend to energize you versus foods that drag you down and contribute to irritability and fogginess. Speaking of which, here are some of the not-so-good foods you’ll want to avoid:
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Be Great!
The GreatAtLife Team
