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4 Spices for Your Brain
Turmeric. So, will a little Indian curry help your brain? The chemical curcumin that makes turmeric yellow appears to activate a key antioxidizing enzyme that reduces plaque buildup. It also is an anti-inflammatory that fights some cancers and multiple sclerosis.
Saffron fights depression in humans, as well as improving learning and memory in animals. Saffron twice daily was as effective as Prozac in treating mild to moderate depression, according to a 2005 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Sage, the aptly names herb, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Chinese sage root contains compounds similar to Alzheimer’s disease drugs, and just 50 microliters (.001690 fl oz) of sage oil extract significantly enhanced memory, according to research in Pharmacological Biochemical Behavior. SAge is a great addition to salads, in soups, even on pizza. It tastes and smells better fresh.
Cinnamon. A whiff of cinnamon boosts your brain. Even cinnamon-flavored gum enhances memory, visual-motor speed, recognition, attention, and focus. Cinnamon is a wonder spice: it helps to regulate sugar levels; reduces proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells; reduces clotting of blood platelets; acts as a antimicrobial, which means it helps with yeast infections; contains the trace mineral manganese and is a very good source of dietary fiber, iron, and calcium. Try some apples and cinnamon for a snack–especially for your kids before homework.
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/4-sp...
I can't remember where I read (recently) that bananas are antidepressant
what confuses me sometimes is how much and how often one should consume a food item in order to see some results
I find the shape of walnuts interesting because they look like the brain....even the shell looks like mini skull from inside...and from outside like a helmet
That's true, A. They do look like a brain. Coincidence? My husband is really into nutrition. He feels that food (nutrients) and only his nutrients affect his feelings. He is always conscious of what he 'needs'. When I'm feeling down, he tells me I need more magnesium(nuts), beta carotene (carrots, yams), and chicken (niacin). Or, if I've had too many carrots, to lay off. Hmmm, he's always telling me what I need to eat for my moods, yet he is always either depressed or angry. I do NOT discount the affect that food (nutrients) have on our bodies and minds, I just think he needs to figure it out a little more.
Just a side note: My husband is also bipolar. I know that nutrients can do wonders for moods, but until he has this completely figured out, I really think he needs some medical and medicinal help!
One thing I found out for myself quite by accident, I ate carrots AND walnuts and pumpkin seeds and the next day my skin was so soft and smooth. Especially on my face, it cleared up instantly, it seems. Interesting, huh?
Interesting...we truly need to pay attention to what we eatBTW I see now Cinnamon supplements in the market...they say it promotes sugar metabolism
Heather wrote: "One thing I found out for myself quite by accident, I ate carrots AND walnuts and pumpkin seeds and the next day my skin was so soft and smooth. Especially on my face, it cleared up instantly, it s..."now which one you think was responsible for the softness of your skin, or do you think it was a combined effect?
I think it was the combination. Because who doesn't just eat carrots, or just eat sunflower/pumpkin seeds? After eating them both was when I noticed the change in my skin.
I wanna try that...my hands dry badly in winter time
Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds have the most magnesium in them. Just FYI.
Heather wrote: "Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds have the most magnesium in them. Just FYI."didn't know that...I used to love pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds as a child but not anymore...perhapse I should eat them while watching some tv to distract me :)
by the way, do you think cooking, soaking in water or pickling affect the nutritional value of walnuts?
(or any nuts in general)
do you think cooking, soaking in water or pickling affect the nutritional value of walnuts?(or any nuts in general)
That is a really good question. I have no idea. I would like to know also. I know my husband always ate roasted and salted nuts and seeds. But maybe that isn't the same thing.
I seem to remember reading somewhere that the more you cook vegetables, the less nutritional value they have. Does anyone know if that's true?
Also I'd like to know what food is bad for our brainI remember in the Curse of the Golden Flower (2006)movie, the Emperor fed his wife some medication that affected her mentally
I wonder if there are there any studies in this field
I just noticed your post, A. Sorry I missed it! I found some articles just this week that might answer some questions. I will try to find them, but right now I have a movie date with my 94 year old grandma! :)
Heather wrote: "...right now I have a movie date with my 94 year old..."aaah...so cute
Grandmas are awesome :)
Who doesn't want to become smarter? Who wants to look better or feel healthier? Many recent studies have shown how certain nutrients can positively affect the brain, specifically in areas of the brain related to cognitive processing or feelings and emotions.
Generally speaking, you want to follow a healthy diet for your brain that will lead to strong blood flow, maintenance of mental sharpness, and reduction of the risk of heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia.
We know that foods play a great role in our brain, as concluded in several studies led by a phenomenal neuroscientist at UCLA, Gomez Pinilla.
According to one study, the super-fats your brain needs most are omega-3 fatty acids. Your brain converts them into DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which enhances neuronal communication and promotes neuronal growth.
Food and nutrients represent fuel to our bodies the same way that when we use our car we need to fill the gas tank. Unfortunately, we generally take better care of our cars than our bodies. Why is that? We are hearing frequently that consuming the right nutrients can help our health, aging process, and more efficient brain-body functioning.
With that said, I want to share with you 10 foods you must keep in your diet to maintain brain health:
1. Apples: Eating an apple a day protects the brain from oxidative damage that causes neurodegenerative diseases such Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This magical nutrient that acts as protection is quercetin, which is a phytonutrient.
2. Asparagus: Asparagus is rich in folic acid, which is essential for the metabolism of the long chain fatty acids in your brain.
3. Lean Beef: Lean beef is rich in vitamin B12, iron and zinc. These vitamins and minerals have been shown to maintain a healthy neural tissue.
4. Blueberries and strawberries: Studies show that people who eat berries improve their memory and their motor skills. In addition, their antioxidant properties can protect your brain from the oxidative process.
5. Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate offers incredible concentration powers. It is a very powerful antioxidant containing natural stimulants that increase the production of feel-good endorphins. Trick: You need to find dark chocolate with less than 10 grams of sugar per serving for optimal benefits.
6. Salmon: Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which studies have shown to be essential for brain function.
7. Dried oregano: Certain spices have powerful antioxidant properties. In several studies, oregano was shown to have 40 times more antioxidant properties than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges, and 4 times more than that of blueberries or strawberries.
8. Walnuts: Walnuts are rich in protein and contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins E and B6, which all promote healthy neural tissue.
9. Whole grains: Whole grains deliver fiber and vitamin E that help promote cardiovascular health, which helps improve the circulation to the brain.
10. Yogurt: Yogurt and other dairy foods are filled with protein and vitamin B that are essential to improve the communication between nerve cells.
Make sure that from now on you select and plan a great menu that include these brain foods. Life is about choices and selecting the right nutrients can play a key role in your health.
Written by Michael Gonzalez-Wallace, who is the author of "Super Body, Super Brain." You can read more from him at www.superbodysuperbrain.com or pick up his book "Super Body, Super Brain."