The Brain Food Recipe

Copyright 2006 Douglas Alp
In the past it was believed that your intelligence was something that was inherited or that was a genetic thing that had to do with your parents but that may not be a total truth. It is now believed that your intelligence can be determined by your environment, life experiences and your diet. So is there a brain food recipe that one can start eating to make them more intelligent?
Well I don’t know if there is a exact recipe but from my research on foods and supplements it continually amazes me how foods and supplements can actually stimulate chemical reactions or add natural chemicals into your body and affect you in amazing ways.
So can food actually have a positive or negative effect on your brain function and brain power?
Well the answer is Yes! Egyptians have long thought that fish was brain food. Well actually fish is high in omega 3 fatty acids. The neurons in your brain are rich in omega 3 fatty acids so adding fish or omega 3 into your diet does indeed give your brain a boost in its function. It has been found that fish will help create a healthy emotional environment and a more balanced and positive mood.
Proteins are also a very good substance for the brain. Proteins such as chicken and beef contain tyrosine, an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and cells and may also help the neurotransmitter within your brain to send and receive signal and information. They can also assist one in handling stress and help the body maintain a balanced blood sugar level.
Food such as avocados, raisins, apples and nuts contain a substance called boron which has the potential to increase your memory and attention.
Choline which has also been proven to improve brain function can be found in such foods as eggs and milk. Fruits and vegetables are also extremely important in protecting your brain. Fruits and vegetables have a high degree of anti-oxidants which protect your cells and brain from free radicals which cause your cells to be damaged and age faster.
Blueberry and blackberry are especially good for your brain since they contain Anthocyanins which is the most powerful form of anti-oxidant.
Other fruits and vegetable that have been found to have a high amount of anti-oxidants are strawberries, cranberries spinach, raspberries, brussel sprouts, plums, broccoli, oranges, red grapes, red bell pepper, cherries and kiwis.
Probably the number one ingredient for proper brain function is water. Since your brain is 80% water it is imperative that one keeps themselves and their brain hydrated. Even a slightly dehydrated brain can raise the stress hormone in a person causing them to not have clarity of thought. Just observe people living in the desert in to summertime and see the stressful actions of people and one can see how dehydrated people are stressed.
There are also foods to avoid and foods that can actually slow down the brain function. Food which are high in sugar and simple carbohydrates which can give you an instantaneous surge of energy but then leave you in an daze.
It is also recommend not to consume food high is saturated fats. Sure your body needs fats, but it needs the good fats found in avocados, nuts and fish.
Also avoid eating heavy meals. It has been proven that reducing your calories will extend your life and the quality of you life. It is also a benefit for your brain function. The digestion process takes a lot of energy which in turn take the energy away from your brain functions.
So as you can see there is a brain food recipe. By eating the correct foods you can actually protect your brain and keep it healthy. You can also provide the added substances the brain needs to improve your memory, mood and the speed in which your brain functions.