Choose foods wisely! It makes a world of difference in your mental and physical health.
If you consume junk, your body and brain will perform like a sluggish machine! Does any machine work efficiently when it labors to perform? No.
We want to keep our arteries clean and pliable so the blood-flow to the brain and heart isn’t clogged and can work efficiently. So if we would like to retain our “smarts” for a little longer, we shouldn’t treat our brain so carelessly either.
The Greek physician Hippocrates, once stated: “Men ought to know that from nothing else but the brain come joys, delights, laughter and sports, sorrows, griefs, despondency, and lamentations.”
I would have agreed except for the fact that he said, “nothing else but . . .” I’m sorry to disagree with the great Hippocrates but I must give proper creditto God for our soul and spirit too.
True Health also comes from the heart: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
Consuming proper whole foods however, does maintain a healthy pH acidic/alkaline balance. When you feel physically and mentally fit you’re happier and from that comes a more joyful countenance.
Here are some foods you should always add routinely to your weekly diet for proper mental and physical health:
Garlic protects our brain neurotransmitters, enhances memory retention and increases blood flow. The Israelites craved this wonderful bulb. “We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic.” (Numbers 11:5) All brain food!
Increase good fats. Too much of the wrong kind, like saturated fat, will harm because the body works harder trying to fulfill its basic mechanics, resulting in higher blood pressure, diminished energy and even less brain power. Rather choose monounsaturated fats such as olive and canola oil and omega 3’s.
Omega-3′s refer to omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids are the ‘building blocks’ of fats just as amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They are vital nutrients for the brain.
Omega-3’s are used to regulate blood clotting, build cell membranes, protect the nerve’s myelin sheath and support cell health.
Good fats such as olive oil, flaxseed, salmon, tuna, trout, sardines, anchovies, avocados will prevent the blood from stickiness, potential blood clots, strokes and heart attacks. What’s good for your heart is good for your brain!
As our brains age, the neurons can’t talk to each other as easily as they once did. Open up the blood-brain barrier with inflammation fighting foods:
Vitamin E found in green leafy greens, wheat germ and walnuts lowers cholesterol and provides anti-clogging powers.
Vitamin C: Not only does this vitamin help create collagen, thus making us look younger, it also neutralizes free radicals and strengthens blood vessel walls. Cantaloupe is one of its best sources. So are strawberries, sweet red peppers, cabbage, broccoli, lemons, limes, oranges and tomatoes.
Spice up your life with curry or cinnamon which blocks the formation of plaque in the arteries.
Exercise your brain like a muscle with cross word puzzles, brain games or other stimulating activities such as Scripture memorization, reading or card playing. Find active, not passive activities for your brain.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
A grateful attitude and positive nature overcomes a defeated spirit – but a positive spirit maintains mental health too!
you have such impressive and informative post,,,,this is so important!!!
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Thank you mihrank. I’m sure this is routine for you! 🙂 Blessings back,
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Excellent post! Love seeing the scriptures reinforce what we’re doing! 💝
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Thanks Debbie. I praise God for our new friendship. I also enjoy reading your posts. For by doing so I can reminisce over our glory days of traveling throughout the States too. ❤
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We’re glad we can also read others blogs about areas we may never make it to see!
Hopefully our paths will cross one day!
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Ellie,
I just wanted to let you know, I like and appreciate your blog, even though I may not comment very frequently.
I have awarded you the lovely Liebster Award! For more information, go to https://captivedreamswindow.wordpress.com/
Blessings~
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Sage advice as always Ellie. I’m on the right path it seems! 🙂 xx
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No doubt my friend, it’s getting close to beach season, ha. Good for you and keep walking down that path toward success!
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I intend to Ellie. Thanks! 🙂
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Wonderful post, Ellie. I love this quote: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22). ❤
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Strange that this didn’t show up until now – so sorry, for as always I enjoy hearing from you! Blessings back, oh by the way I am updating my novel, “Sometimes Marriage is a Real Crime” and look for it shortly in amazon’s update section. You know what it’s like, after seven years, one looks back and thinks, “why in the world would I write that when I should have written it THIS WAY! 🙂
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That’s a wonderful challenge. I look forward to more about your process and of course, the final result. Happy Easter.
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Finished updating. I’m not sure if you have it on your Kindle but I can gift it to you for all your great encouragement. Email me and let me know, Okay? I’m not sure how to, the last time I gifted someone, they promised a review but never did. You already have (and always do) so I just want to send it to you, ❤
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Oh, that would be terrific, Ellie. I too don’t know how gifting works and whether you can gift someone from another country.
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Oh I hope I can! Did I just send you the transcript or do you have ebook edition?
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What is the title of the book?
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It was my debut novel, the one you gave a wonderful 5 star review to: “Sometimes Marriage is a Real Crime” I looked back on it and thought how generous you were as I was revamping and improving it, thinking, boy that sentence stunk, and that was childishly written, etc. 🙂 Praise God I received other 5 star reviews too. I’m sure you feel the same and know how one improves over time, ha!
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You are simply a treasure chest of knowledge and wisdom!! Can’t love this post enough!!
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Aah, pshshaw my friend. ya gotta keep me humble my friend and your compliments are giving me a big head, ha! 🙂 Thank you dear one, I appreciate you
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