Super foods for the brain
Food is such a big part of our daily life so it makes sense to take a closer look at which foods can help stimulate and provide optimum health for the brain (and body). Here's a list of 5 super foods I recommend for your shopping list.
1. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are tiny grayish-brown seeds which have more antioxidants than blueberries and are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids. This wonder seed protects brain cells from damage and is linked to alleviating depression, Attention Deficit Disorder, Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is high in energy, rich in fiber and low in fat making you feel fuller for longer as it burns energy slowly and evenly. Jam packed with goodness; Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus and Potassium are just a few of the vitamins and minerals found in a single seed.
The JOLT Way
You can get Chia Seeds from some bulk food or most health food stores. They have virtually no flavor and can be added to almost every meal. We like it best mixed into our smoothies, sprinkled onto salads and/or cereal, and added into yummy baked goods.
2. Blueberries
A classic super food, blueberries are best known for their super high antioxidant levels. This low-glycemic is a true brain berry; research from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and Tufts University found that blueberries help to improve short-term memory loss, protect the brain from oxidative stress and can even slow down the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s’ disease or dementia. Additionally, blueberries are high in vitamin C and can help to protect against Colon and Ovarian Cancer.
The JOLT Way
Bursting with flavor and low in calories we like eating our blueberries el naturale, baked in a blueberry pie or mixed into our smoothies and fresh fruit juices. Try to get organic if possible.
3. Wild Salmon
Salmon is most commonly known for being one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids (a family of essential fatty acids that protect the cardiovascular system, regulate circulatory functions, enhance the immune system and promote brain development) and vitamin D. The DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in fish oil is necessary for the brain to maintain and rebuild cells, which helps memory and attention span making everyday tasks that much easier and efficient. Numerous studies have shown that eating Salmon regularly helps to reduce the risk of developing Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Salmon also contains iodine, an essential body mineral which is known to improve mental clarity.
The JOLT Way
We highly recommend wild salmon over farmed salmon. It may cost a little bit extra but you and your brain are worth it. Wild Salmon contains more omega 3 fats are a lot less fattier than their famer counterparts. Here at JOLT we love raw salmon like sashimi (it's essential to ensure that the salmon is fresh), smoked salmon pie and barbequed salmon.
4. Walnuts
All nuts help to enhance your brain in their own way, but walnuts with their striking resemblance to the brain is our favorite nutty superfood. Chock filled with protein, Vitamins E, B6 and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids; walnuts are an excellence source of nourishment for your nervous system and help to improve the brain’s power and memory. Walnuts provide a good source of antioxidants and are a useful alternative to fish as a source of omega 3 fat They also help to reduce the risk of memory loss, dementia and Alzhemiers Disease.
The JOLT Way
Eating a few walnuts a day can help stimulate the brain and give you a little pick me up in the afternoon if you need it. Walnuts are great on salads, in banana cakes and in cookies. However, do remember that Walnuts do contain quite bit of calories and should not be consumed in great amounts.
5.Turmeric
More commonly known as an essential cooking ingredient, this Asian wonder spice is also an antioxidant and a powerful anti-inflammatory. In some countries, Tumeric has been used to treat everything from liver disorders, bronchitis, diabetes, runny noses to a disinfectant to cure cuts and scrapes and used for skin treatment. Johnson & Johnson (India) even use turmeric in their Band Aids. The key antioxidant in turmeric is Curcumin (not cumin) which helps to connect the neural pathways that cause memory loss; research shows turmeric to be a preventative/curative towards dementia and Alzheimer’s . Research also strongly supports that Curcumin can kill cancer cells in its earlier stage and enhance the body’s immunity to fight cancer.
The JOLT Way
Investing in a curry book is a great way to bring turmeric into your every day cooking. It is also great when added to meat marinades and/or vegetable casseroles and stews. Be sure to taste as you go as adding too much tumeric will result in a slightly bitter taste to your food. If you prefer, you can also get turmeric in a supplement form from your local pharmacy.