Today we start a series of 10 blogs on how to upgrade your brain.
Introduction:
Don’t you sometimes wish we could upgrade our brains like we can upgrade our cellphones? I don’t know about you, but with all the information overload we have these days, it feels as if my head wants to explode some days and I just can’t remember anything.
What we want to discuss today is how to upgrade yourself every day with ten simple keys to a better you by learning these very effective habits. We all know that knowledge is power, but we want to show you that learning is your super power. These ten steps will also help us learn to continue learning our whole life long.
We should all have an effective daily routine to kickstart our days. By having a routine, we create a habit of having a super brain and it creates a better you right back every day. As Descartes said: we think, therefore we are. But the reverse is just as true: we are what we think.
- Eat brain foods:
You are what you eat. This is so true, especially in modern times, where many people live on over-processed and fast foods. We need to eat natural, whole foods that give us the nutrients we need to function properly. But there are specific food types that are especially good for your brain:
Here are the top ten brain foods:
- Avocado – improves blood supply to the brain, brain signaling, prevents strokes and seizures
- Blueberries – contains l-methyl folate, which protects the brain against aging and antioxidants which improves memory
- Coconut Oil - protects the brain against aging, used as fuel for brain cells to work
- Salmon or sardines - omega-3 fatty acids prevent brain aging, protects neurons from injury, reduces cerebral inflammation, helps produce neurotransmitters that tell cells what to do and is essential for quick information transfer down the axon, the neuron’s highway.
- Broccoli - is a source of two crucial nutrients that help improve brain function. Vitamin K helps to strengthen cognitive abilities while Choline has been found to improve memory – people who eat plenty of broccoli perform better on memory tests
- Eggs - are a good source of several nutrients tied to brain health, including vitamins B6 and B12, folate and choline, an important micronutrient that your body uses to create acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and memory.
- Green Leafy Vegetables - people who eat one to two servings of green leafy veggies per day had lower rates of memory loss and dementia.
- Turmeric - Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it can directly enter the brain and benefit the cells there. It's a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that has been linked to the following brain benefits: may benefit memory, eases depression and helps new brain cells grow.
- Walnuts – walnuts look like brains and also contain a lot of omega -3 fatty acids that help with memory and brain health
- Dark chocolate – I left the best for last – eating chocolate is good for you! But only dark chocolate, preferably 70% cacao and higher. It contains brain-boosting compounds, including flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants, which boost memory and improves mood.
This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy.This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.