8 Foods to Keep Your Brain Young and Healthy

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8 Foods to Keep Your Brain Young and Healthy

Posted Mon, Aug 11, 2008, 1:42 pm PDT

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Senility, Alzheimer's, and age-related memory loss: these conditions

of mental decline that come with aging can be delayed or even

prevented. Besides engaging in daily activities that work out your

brain, a regular and balanced diet rich with essential amino acids,

omega oils, minerals and vitamins will ensure a vibrant and sharp

memory. Eat these foods to give your brain the nutrition it needs.

 

1. Fish

Protein, an important component in the making of neurotransmitters,

is essential to improve mental performance. Aside from being an

excellent source of high quality protein, fish are packed with

essential oils, such as Omega-3, which protect the brain and supports

its development and functioning. Deep sea fish have the highest

amounts of fatty acids, and they include salmon, sea bass, halibut,

mackerel, and sardines.

 

2. Blueberries

These delicious berries are full of powerful antioxidants, which

eliminate free-radical damage that causes aging, and they also

possess neuroprotective properties that can delay the onset of age-

related memory loss by guarding brain cells from damage caused by

chemicals, plaque, or trauma. And they combat inflammation, the other

factor in aging.

 

3. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are wonder foods for your brain. Packed with protein

and essential fatty acids, nuts and seeds are also chock full of the

amino arginine, which stimulates the pituitary gland at the base of

the brain to release growth hormone, a substance that declines

quickly after age 35; this is a real anti-aging boon to your brain!

 

Whip up a batch of my " Anti-aging brain mix " to bring with you

anywhere and eat a small handful in between meals as a daily snack.

It will nourish and support your brain. Pack in sealed container or

zip-lock bag to preserve freshness.

 

1 cup walnut

1/2 cup pine nuts

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/3 cup of dried goji berries (also known as lycium berry, and easily

found in health food stores)

1/2 cup dried apricots

4. Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are all rich in choline,

an essential nutrient for memory and brain health. Choline is a

precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which contributes to

healthy and efficient brain processes. As we age, our body's natural

choline output declines, and its neurochemical action weakens. You

can eat choline-rich foods to increase your production of

acetylcholine, which will improve your brain power.

 

Other sources of choline include: eggs, soybeans, peanuts, cabbage,

black beans, and kidney beans.

 

5. Oil: Monounsaturated Fats

Monounsaturated fats contain essential fatty acids and gamma-

linolenic acid (GLA), which are crucial for brain development and

function, among many other excellent benefits for your health. Olive

oil, sesame oil, canola oil, almond oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oil

are rich in monounsaturated fats and are good choices for brain

health. Population studies show that people with a diet that is high

in unsaturated, unhydrogenated fats may have a reduced risk of

Alzheimer's disease, whereas those with a diet that is higher in

saturated fats and trans fats have an increased risk.

 

6. L-carnitine Foods

Age-related memory problems are many times caused by plaque buildup

and diminished blood supply to the brain, compromising the delivery

of nutrients and oxygen. L-carnitine, an amino acid manufactured in

your liver, increases circulation in the brain — among a myriad of

powerful benefits for your health. Also, because it prevents fat

oxidation in the brain, L-carnitine shows some promise in preventing

Alzheimer's disease. Good sources of L-carnitine include: meats,

fish, poultry, wheat, avocado, milk, and fermented soybeans.

 

7. Microalgae

Microalgaes from the ocean and uncontaminated lakes, including blue-

green algae, spirulina, chlorella, seaweed, and kelp are easy-to-

digest, high protein and high-energy supplements-and contain over a

hundred trace minerals! Available in your health food store,

microalgae are simple to incorporate into your diet to ensure a good,

strong brain function. Look for powders you dissolve in juice or

flakes you can sprinkle on your food.

 

8. Green Tea

Green tea prevents an enzyme found in Alzheimer's disease and is also

rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that help prevent premature brain

aging. Drink two cups a day to get the brain benefits. To decaf tea,

steep for 45 seconds and pour out the water, add fresh hot water to

the leaves or tea bag — 95% of caffeine will be eliminated.

 

Herbal Boost

There are many Chinese herbs that support healthy brain functions,

including ginkgo biloba and gotu kola. For support of healthy brain

function I recommend our family formula called Enduring Youth, which

contains Chinese herbs such as Chinese yam, goji berry, schisandra

berry, Asian cornelian, China root, Cistanches, sweet flag, Chinese

senega, dipsacus, anise, and Chinese foxglove. For more information,

 

 

I hope you get the brain benefits of these foods. I invite you to

visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips

with me.

 

-Dr. Mao

 

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