Boost Your Brain Power with These Ingredients
Walnuts
Walnuts give you both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant. Studies have shown that ingestion of walnuts on a regular basis strengthens memory and learning ability.
Tip! A handful of walnuts a day will reduce your risk of atherosclerosis – even in the brain – and to develop Alzheimer’s later in life.
Chocolate
Cocoa and dark chocolate with at least 70% Cocoa content contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that has been shown to affect brain health. The flavonoids increase blood flow in the body and brain to provide more nutrients and oxygen.
Tip! Chocolate has a fairly large calorie content, so the quantities still need to be limited to avoid other adverse health effects.
Turmeric
Turmeric, which is also found in curry, combats inflammation in the body. The yellow dye in the turmeric also protects the brain from dementia, and it also stimulates the production of new brain cells.
Tip! You will find, among other things. turmeric in Thai dishes and Indian food. Use it also in dressings, marinades for meat and pasta sauces.
Alcohol
Alcohol in raw quantities is of course really bad for the brain. It can cause dementia. But in small doses, alcohol actually protects against both dementia and atherosclerosis and keeps your heart healthy – as long as you enjoy it in the limited amounts.
Tip! Drink a maximum of ½-1 item per day. And no, you can’t save together for the weekend.
Sage
Sage prolongs the effect of the neurotransmitter oxyacetylene in the brain and thus improves the transmission of signals and information between the nerve cells. Intake of sage has among other things a measurable, positive effect on memory.
Lactic acid
The intestine has a huge surface, and just as the brain sends signals to the intestine, it also sends signals the other way. The intestine therefore greatly affects your brain. Both when it is good and when it is in imbalance.
Tip! Lactic acid bacteria that you find in eg. Yogurt and skyr helps keep your intestinal system healthy and well-functioning. You can also get them from sauerkraut, kefir and sourdough bread.
Green Tea
Green tea is something of a wonder because it contains both caffeine, theophylline and theobromine that stimulate the nervous system, counteract fatigue and sharpen your attention. Green tea also inhibits the production of the protein substances that cause dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Tip! Drink a few cups daily. Choose an organic variety so you avoid pesticides that may be in many of the conventional green teas.
Water
The majority of the body – and the brain – are fluid. If you are well hydrated, you will have much more brain power than if you are in fluid deficiency.
Tip! Drink at least one and a half liters of liquid daily – more days when you exercise or are physically active otherwise.