It is hard to argue with the fact that many abilities are given to a person from birth, and not all of us are equally good at memorizing and analyzing information. However, brain activity, memory and intelligence do not depend solely on heredity. They are influenced by other factors, the key of which is nutrition. If you regularly include foods that improve memory and brain function in your diet, your abilities will improve on their own. You will feel that you have become less distracted and can easily keep many different things in your head. At the same time, you will feel a surge of strength, the development of creative abilities, you will begin to look at life more optimistically and you will be in time for everything. After all, the general condition of the body depends on the work of the brain.
What you need for good brain function
Good brain function is, in fact, good transmission of nerve impulses, free exchange of information between cells. This requires a good blood supply to the brain, timely supply of all the necessary substances to the cells. The most important for the brain are:
- omega-3, on which information exchange between brain cells depends;
- amino acids, in particular tryptophan, from which the joy hormone serotonin is synthesized, which activates the brain, memory, attention and improves mood;
- folic acid, which is called the vitamin of genius and is attributed to pregnant women for the proper development of the fetus;
- B vitamins, especially:
- vitamin B12, which is involved in the formation of nerve fibers;
- vitamin B1, which prevents premature aging of neurons;
- vitamin B6, which also strengthens the nerves and increases the performance of the brain;
- nicotinic acid, which improves blood circulation;
- micro and macro elements, especially iodine, selenium and phosphorus;
- glucose.
Accordingly, eating foods that contain these elements in large quantities can increase concentration, memory, brain activity in general, help develop children's abilities and prevent senile dementia in the older generation. Their deficiency, on the contrary, can cause a weakening of memory and intelligence. So what are these products?
Best foods for memory and brain
There are many products that contain substances necessary for memory and the brain in significant quantities. So, meat, fish, liver, cereals are rich in B vitamins, and there are many of them in green vegetables. Vitamin C rich vegetables and fruits can improve blood flow to the brain. Omega-3 is found in seafood, nuts, and a number of vegetable oils, including flaxseed. The sources of amino acids are meat, fish, mushrooms, legumes. So a good, balanced diet will keep your brain from starving. However, we can single out a group of foods that are considered the undisputed leaders in improving memory and brain function.
- Cocoa and chocolate. Cocoa contains antioxidants that help rejuvenate neurons. Glucose, which is also found in chocolate, also stimulates the brain. Plus, cocoa and chocolate contain invigorating caffeine. So a few slices of chocolate, eaten in the morning, won't hurt anyone. It is especially recommended for children to have a cup of cocoa and eat a bar of chocolate before the exam.
- Coffee. Acts in much the same way as cocoa. In addition, it contains an alkaloid that helps improve communication between neurons.
- Milk. It contains many B vitamins, which are also well absorbed. Moreover, milk is a source of amino acids. Therefore, coffee or cocoa is best brewed with milk.
- Purple berries, in particular blueberries, grapes, chokeberry, black currant. They improve blood circulation, contain many antioxidants that slow down the aging of the brain, supply it with a number of essential vitamins and microelements.
- Garlic. One of the best products for memory and brain, as it perfectly cleans blood vessels.
- Nuts, especially walnuts. They contain, as if specially selected for memory and the brain, a vitamin and mineral complex, including polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Green vegetables are a source of essential vitamins, including group B.
- Honey. No wonder it is said that this product contains the entire table of chemical elements. At least all of them, necessary for memory and good brain activity, are in it.
- Seaweed. Source of iodine. This element is essential for good memory and the ability to concentrate.
- Linseed oil. It has a high content of Omega-3, and the body itself does not produce this substance.
- Fish and seafood, especially cod liver, shrimp. They are sources of iodine, phosphorus, polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids.
- Meat, including poultry, liver. They contain a large amount of B vitamins, amino acids.
You can supplement the diet with medicinal plants that can have a positive effect on brain activity. These are rosemary, ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba.
Meals for memory and attention
On our site you will find many recipes based on products from the above list. In particular, we advise you to pay close attention to chicken satsivi, stuffed squid, chicken liver dishes, as well as frozen broccoli. Additionally, we offer recipes for several dishes, which seem to be specially invented to activate brain activity and improve intellectual abilities.
Beet and cabbage pkhali
What you need:
- white cabbage - 0. 5 kg;
- beets - 0. 2 kg;
- walnuts - 9. 2 kg;
- garlic - 1 head;
- cilantro - 50 g;
- coriander, suneli hops, salt - to taste;
- apple cider vinegar - 20 ml.
How to cook:
- Boil vegetables until soft. Peel the beets, cut into pieces. Cut up the cabbage. Pass them through a meat grinder. Squeeze to remove excess liquid.
- Pass the garlic through a press.
- Grind the walnuts to make a nut butter.
- Combine nuts with garlic and apple cider vinegar, add salt and spices to this sauce.
- Mix nut butter with vegetables. Add finely chopped cilantro.
- Shape into balls and refrigerate for 2 hours.
A spicy and very healthy snack is ready.
Mocha
Mocha is not only a type of coffee, but also a delicious coffee drink.
What you need:
- ground coffee - 6-12 g;
- milk - 50 ml;
- water - 50 ml;
- chocolate - 80 g;
- whipped cream to taste.
How to cook:
- Brew expresso or Turkish coffee from water and ground coffee.
- Strain brewed coffee if brewed in a Turk.
- Boil the milk.
- ¾ Finely break the chocolate bars, place in a cup and melt in a water bath.
- Pour gently into the cup over the expresso chocolate.
- Pour milk on top.
- Rub the remaining chocolate.
- Garnish the coffee with whipped cream and grated chocolate.
This kind of drink will surely appeal to almost everyone. It tastes completely unique.
Remember that proper nutrition is the key to health, and it begins, as it should be, from the head. Don't forget to take care of your brain, don't starve it!