Everyone has had those down days when things just don’t go right. During the aging process, our bodies start to lose some of its vigor and vitality, and so do our brains.
Superfoods such as brown rice, whole grain breads, and oatmeal might help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke while helping to contribute to a healthy brain. When you have a healthy cardiovascular system, the blood flow to your brain is optimal.
Healthy complex carbohydrates also supply your brain with a steadier dose of glucose, which also enhances healthy brain function. Conversely, simple carbohydrates that are found in processed foods bombard your brain with too much sugar, resulting in unhealthy sugar-highs and precipitous crashes. This roller coaster effect promotes fatigue, hunger, depression, and stress.
Blueberries are another amazing superfood that may guard your brain from the effects of dementia, Alzheimer’s and stress. Rich in vitamins and minerals, blueberries help contribute to better motor skills and enhanced learning capacities.
Dark chocolate is another superfood that is high in antioxidants. The antioxidants contained in dark chocolate are very rich in natural stimulants that help enhance better focus and concentration. They also help your body release mood-enhancing endorphins. As with any food, it is best to consume dark chocolate in moderation. Eating too much might cause hyper-stimulation, anxiety, and insomnia.
Salmon, a deep-water, fatty fish is an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These essential nutrients are crucial for optimal brain functioning and are also being investigated for their roles in the reduction of depression and anxiety disorders.
Fish oil supplements also contain rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. However, they may interfere with medications known as anticoagulants or medical conditions. Fish oils thin your blood by inhibiting platelet aggregation and may lead to abnormal bleeding. Talk to your health care provider before consuming fish oil supplements, especially if you take anticoagulant medications.
Brewed tea also contains very potent antioxidants known as catechins. These substances promote healthy blood flow to the brain, and may help with concentration. Because tea contains caffeine, limiting your consumption may help stave off caffeine-related insomnia, over-stimulation, and anxiety.
Foods that contain vitamin E such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, cashews, walnuts, and almonds are also healthy selections for brain health. Eating these seeds and nuts may help keep cognitive decline at bay and promote learning.
Avocados, a fruit high in health-promoting fats, contributes to enhanced cerebral blood flow while reducing your blood pressure. Hypertension is a prominent risk factor in the development of heart disease and stroke.
More Superfoods For Depression And Anxiety
Scientific research also suggests that superfoods may also have the ability to reverse the effects of aging, as well as relieving the symptoms of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. The following 3 are the most popular superfoods that have been proven to provide the most amazing health benefits.
Apples
Eating an apple every day is probably one of the most delicious prescriptions ever recommended. Apples are natural healing foods because they contain excellent sources of antioxidants, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C. Apples are also rich sources of fiber and potassium. A medium-sized apple contains a mere 50 calories, and the skin of the apple contains abundant antioxidants, and up to almost 6 times more than the actual flesh of the apple. It is very important to eat the apple skin to get all of the powerful antioxidant benefits that this humble little superfood has to offer.
Apples come in a number of varieties, and each of these varieties has a unique skin color. In addition to the different colors, their chemical compositions and their phytonutrient contents are also different in each variety of apple. Fuji apples have exceptionally high flavonoid and phenolic contents, and may just be the most nutrient-dense variety of apple. Eating different varieties of apples is important so that you get a good balance of all the different nutrients and antioxidants that these spectacular superfoods provide.
Avocado
The avocado is another healing superfood that is not only extremely versatile but delicious and rich as well. Avocados provide enormous health benefits. They are very nutrient-dense, and rich in fiber. The avocado is also loaded with potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and folate.
Avocados contain monounsaturated fats, which also make them important players in the weight loss arena. Olives also have monounsaturated fats, and are also beneficial to those trying to lose weight. Monounsaturated fats might also help reduce your cholesterol levels and may also play a role in boosting your immunity. Avocados may also lower your LDL, cholesterol, or also known as “bad cholesterol while raising your “good cholesterol” levels, or HDLs. Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Beans
Beans are legumes and have a number of excellent healing properties. They are high in protein and are great alternatives to meat. In addition to their rich protein content, beans are also high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and phytonutrients. Beans should be eaten regularly to enhance good health.