The brain is an amazing organ-consisting of more then twenty-five billion cells that are the most highly developed of anything known. Linus Pauling. Two-time Nobel Prize winner and world-renowned scientist, noted that nutrient concentrations may not always be high enough to supply all the organs and tissues, especially the brain. This is due to absorption, and of course diet.
I’m going to recap a few things, as this will be the last post on ‘Feeding the Brain’. Remember: nutritional deficiencies alter our mental states and so much more. In fact, changes in our mood are the first signs that there’s a problem and you can bet it’s due to a deficiency. Depression, memory loss, anxiety, irritability, ADHD, ADD, OCD, etc. So feeding the brain and of course the rest of our body is so important. I can’t stress this enough.
Did you know that the brain has to compete with the heart, liver, fat cells, muscles and lungs for blood sugar (glucose). This is not just any glucose. Simple sugars from candy, sugar, etc. will not do. In fact, simple sugars will actually cause too much insulin to be released into the blood stream, lowering your blood sugar. This condition is also know as hypoglycemia, which in the end, damages the brain.
It is absolutely imperative that you get the right kind of glucose into the bloodstream. In order for the brain to function properly it requires four ounces of (the right) glucose a day. The right kind, if you haven’t guessed it already, is fresh fruit! No wonder children as well as adults naturally gravitate towards fruit. Our brains are instinctively telling us what we need. So next time you get an urge to have something sweet, grab some fruit, because that is what your brain really wants.
The brain also requires natural sodium (which is found in spinach and celery - not table salt), potassium, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and as stated in the previous posts on ‘Feeding the Brain’, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc daily for the proper functioning of the brain. Here are some other nutrients to consider as well and they are just as important.
Trace Minerals such as:
- Chromium
- Selenium
Other minerals and vitamins, etc:
- Phosphorous
- Manganese
- Inosital
- Boron
- Vitamin B1, B6, B3, B9 (folic acid), B12,
- Bioflavonoids
- and phytochemicals
Antioxidants are also important as they protect against oxidation in the brain and the rest of our body. Research has shown that toxins and excess fat contribute to impaired brain function. What happens is, your brain cells will accumulate cellular garbage known as ‘lipofuscin’, which is a by product of fats and toxins. This kills and damages the neurons in your brain. So make sure you eat your greens, fruit, seeds, nuts, etc., in order to get your antioxidants. Vitamin A, C, E, beta-carotene, selenium, and bioflavonoids - which are potent antioxidants.
Here are some tips to help improve your brain function:
- Exercise. Go for a walk, bike, just get moving.
- Take time each day to breathe deeply.
- Use your brain. In other words don’t allow boredom or depression to sneak in. Do things that interest you and stimulate your mind.
To conclude; eat a healthy raw/vegan diet, consisting of a wide variety of fruit, greens, veggies, (sprouted nuts, seeds, grains) and wheatgrass.
Doing so will provide you with all the nutrients you need for health, energy, strength and brain power.
Brain Power Smoothie
You will get plenty of iron, calcium, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin C, manganese, glucose and so much more from this power smoothie.
For this recipe it would help if you had a powerful blender like a Vita-Mix. I never measure when I make this. So I will do my best with the amounts. Don’t forget to play with it yourself. Who knows you might come up with something even tastier.
1 organic beet, cut in four (don’t peel)
3 organic carrots, cut in four
2 organic gala apples cut in four ( do not peel or core)
1/2-1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
a handful of goji berries
a handful of greens (spinach, kale etc.)
1 Tbsp. flax seeds and flax oil
1 medium organic banana
small handful of raw cocoa nibs (optional)
purified water (about 3 cups or more)Place all ingredients in your Vita-Mix. Add enough water to cover half of the contents, you can add more if needed. Blend on high speed for 90 seconds until it is completely smooth. Use the tamper if needed. Your smoothie should be thick and smooth. Pour into large glasses and enjoy.
Makes enough for 2 people.
To your Health!
Monique
Tags: Nutrition, raw food recipe, recipe for kids, Tips for Moms
