Eating for a healthy mind.
May 30th 2008 23:49
Signature Tune
From: canada.com
The human brain is metabolically very active. Energy (calorie) deprivation profoundly affects mood and mental function because the body responds by slowing down non-essential functions and altering activity and hormonal levels.
Olive oil is a healthy source of fat.
If you consistently eat less food than your body needs you'll likely become tired, moody, find it difficult to think clearly and have reduced mental ability.
Eating the proper balance of the three key macronutrients (good carbohydrates, lean proteins and healthy fats) will help you maintain strong mental acuity and can prevent the development of certain diseases.
Carbohydrates are the key source of fuel your brain uses to function, so it is important to eat a good balance of healthy carbohydrates -- such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables -- every day.
Proteins are made up of amino acids, and while the body can manufacture some, there are eight essential amino acids that must be supplied by the diet. High-quality protein such as lean meats, low-fat dairy, fish and eggs provide these essential acids.
Many of the neurotransmitters in the brain are made from amino acids. If the needed amino acid is not available, levels of that particular neurotransmitter in the brain will fall, and brain functioning and mood will be affected. For example, if there is a lack of tryptophan in the body, an inadequate level of serotonin is produced, which can cause depressed mood, anger and aggression.
Dietary intake of fats may also play a role in regulating mood and brain function. Healthy fat sources are salmon, omega-3 eggs, olive oil, flaxseed oil, walnuts, almonds, avocados, hemp and flax oil. Some studies suggest that reducing good fat and cholesterol in the diet may deplete brain serotonin levels. Fats are also needed by the body to absorb some of the vital nutrients the brain needs to function properly.
Antioxidants
When our body cells use oxygen, free radicals that can harm the body's cell and brain function are produced. Several environmental factors, such as pollution and ionizing radiation (sun rays) are also sources of free radicals. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and can prevent and repair their damage. Examples of antioxidants and the foods they can be found in include:
- Vitamin A and Carotenoids: carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots (bright-coloured fruits and vegetables);
- Vitamin C: citrus fruits such as oranges and lime, etc., green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, tomatoes;
- Vitamin E: nuts, seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and liver oil;
- Selenium: fish, shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken, garlic;
- Flavonoids/polyphenols: soy, red wine, purple grapes, pomegranate, cranberries and tea;
- Lycopene: tomato, tomato products, pink grapefruit, watermelon;
- Lutein: dark green vegetables such as kale, broccoli, kiwi, spinach; and
- Lignan: flaxseed, oatmeal, barley, rye.
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Comment by Anonymous
Comment by tlcorbin
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Raven
Comment by katyzzz
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Raven, rave on fella, YOU inarticulate?, nah, u just think you are
The belching does not sound very nice, try eating more slowly with your mouth shut. Plus, lose that tum.
Comment by tlcorbin
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Loose the tum, geez , do you have any idea of the huge sums of money I've invested in this magnificently girthed body? And I should frivolously toss it . . . eh, oh.
Tisha seems to agree with you. That's it, I'm doomed.
Raven
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Mis
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