Food for Thought

I'm sure most of you can relate to this scenario: your parents are constantly telling you to eat certain foods because "they're good for you." Well, I'm here to tell you that most of the time they're probably right, and here are a few foods that are actually good for your brain.

• Fatty Fish - fatty fish contains a compound called omega-3 fatty acid that is very beneficial for building cell membranes and works as an anti-inflammatory agent. This is helpful because, as we learned from Dr. Hussaini, when neuron cells begin to degenerate, we can lose some of our abilities for function, resulting in brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Although eating fatty fish isn't a cure for these diseases and processes, it may make a positive difference in your memory skills.
  
  
• Berries - berries, especially blueberries are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that help to prevent oxidation, which is a process that can lead to cell damage. These compounds can also help to increase memory and decrease inflammation in the body. Additionally, multiple studies have shown that eating berries actually changes the way your neurons communicate. This change reduces the inflammation of neurons and, therefore, decreases cell damage.
  
  
• Turmeric - turmeric is a spice that is well-known for its yellow color. The spice contains the compound curcumin, which has high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is believed that curcumin helps the brain produce a certain hormone that strengthens and protects neurons, along with improving their function and growth. Turmeric is all-around good for you as it also has cardiovascular benefits.
  
  
• Beans - beans are definitely under appreciated in their benefits to human health. They are digested slowly, providing a steady low-level stream of glucose to the body. This is helpful because the brain uses up a lot of the glucose consumed and processed in the body, and this slow digestion rate allows the brain to have a more constant access to glucose. Beans also contain the chemical compound folate which is important to help with mood and mental diseases. 

Obviously, there are many other foods that are good for you that positively impact your brain function that I didn't go into detail about. Some include avocados, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Of course, your diet is not the only way that you can boost your brain power. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating properly are just a few behavioral changes you can make to keep you healthier and to keep your brain functioning at top form. As always, if you know of any other ways to boost your brain power, comment below, and keep on the look out for our next post!