Nutritional Choices For Increased Mental Performance

 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!