• Friday December 30th
  • Food for a Healthy Brain-Are You Getting What You Need?

  • Let me ask you a quick question, if you knew there was food for a healthy brain, would you eat it? If you were interested in maintaining a sharp mind and a healthy body I bet you would, right?

    But you may be shocked to learn that there are foods you can eat for your brain but you probably aren't doing it. In fact, nutritionists say the majority of Americans are deficient in these nutrients because they're not in the foods we normally eat.

    If you eat a lot of processed foods you're not giving your brain the nutrients it requires. And not getting the right nutrition means your brain can't work effectively. You can become forgetful, develop chronic diseases and have trouble concentrating.

    What Food Should You Eat For a Healthy Brain?

    Fish is often called a "brain food", and with good reason. Turns out, fish is high in omega 3 fatty acids. Specifically, it's high in DHA. This DHA is a cornerstone of your brain. Without it, your brain doesn't work as well.
     
    If you have children, DHA helps them learn language and develop motor skills. If they're already in school, studies show DHA can help them focus and concentrate so they perform well. If your child is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, added omega 3's might solve these issues.

    DHA also balances your mood and keeps it positive. Getting enough of these nutrients can prevent depression.

    And, for seniors, getting enough DHA is crucial for keeping a sharp mind. Plus, research shows it can reduce inflammation and possibly prevent heart attacks.

    In other words, these nutrients are critical food for a healthy brain and body.

    Other Foods

    You can get some omega 3's in walnuts, flaxseeds and winter squash. But they don't provide the DHA you need for your brain.

    If you eat fish 2-3 times a week, experts say that's enough for most people. But if you need more or what to make sure you're getting your omega 3's, you might want to try fish oil pills.

    As far as food for healthy brain goes, fish is your best resource. And fish oil supplements are an easy way of getting the nutrients you need. They are purified so you don't have to worry about mercury poisoning. Of course, you do want to know that they're high quality and have the levels of DHA you and your family need.

    Now that you know more about food a for healthy brain, please visit my website where I share about omega 3 nutrition and how you can benefit.