How to Boost Your Brain Power By Eating Healthy Foods

Science is making the interesting discovery that there are healthy brain foods that can boost your brain performance when eaten regularly. Here are some brain power foods that should be part of your healthy lifestyle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Water for a healthy brain.
   
   For optimal brain function, it's important that you drink sufficient quantities of water. When you're dehydrated, your nerve cells can't operate efficiently and your brain function is diminished. Water is fundamental to all life processes and the brain is no exception.

2. Caffeine as brain power food.
   
   More and more evidence is accumulating that caffeine may have a positive effect on the brain. Several studies have shown that caffeine can help to increase your ability to focus as well as maximize your short term memory skills. Although consumption of high levels of caffeine isn't necessarily a positive due to the potential side effects, consuming low quantities of caffeine may help to maximize brain function. The optimal dose, according to one study, is around two cups of coffee per day.

3. Antioxidants are healthy brain food.
   
   More evidence is accumulating that brain aging and some chronic brain diseases are a result of free radical damage to brain cells. Antioxidants help to offset this free radical damage which may help to slow down the aging process and prevent cognitive decline. One of the best sources for these brain preserving antioxidants are fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables with the highest concentration of antioxidants tend to be brightly colored produce such as blueberries, strawberries, and spinach. Adding these foods for brain power to your diet on a regular basis may help to keep your brain functioning at its peak capacity.

4. Fish Oils are healthy brain food.
   
   You're probably already familiar with the heart healthy effects of omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils. Those same oils also help to give your brain a boost by helping brain cells function at their peak capacity. To get the positive brain boosting benefits of omega 3s, you'll need to consume fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids at least three times a week. Fish that are high in omega 3's are cold water fish. Not a fan of seafood? Omega 3 fatty acid supplements are also available.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget about the importance of exercise, sufficient sleep, and mental stimulation to help keep your brain healthy.

[85mike]

on 4/28/2009 Thank you for a very insightful, enlightening, and intellectually invigorating discussion. 5 Stars!!