“I think, therefore I am,” said the French scientist, mathematician and philosopher René Descartes. We also want this ─ to exist, while thinking at the same time. It's no secret that for the active work of the brain, you need to breathe fresh air, get regular physical activity and eat right. If the actions on the first two points are generally clear (the search for resources for them is a separate topic), then the latter requires specification. We list what you need to eat to keep your memory in shape.
Seeds / Nuts
Hulling seeds, it turns out, is very useful. They contain a lot of vitamin E ─ it protects brain cells from damage caused by free radicals, which slows down their processes of depression and aging. The seeds also contain phospholipids and sterols - substances that can literally prolong life, maintain youth and significantly improve human health. By the way, nuts have the same properties to a sufficient extent. Well, flax seeds will help to consolidate all efforts: they are rich in alpha-linoleic acid (one of the omega-3 fatty acids). This acid, in turn, is used to produce DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), one of the most important building materials for the brain, and is responsible for the functioning of the part of the cerebral cortex responsible for processing sensory information.
Cocoa
Cocoa beans contain flavonoids, special antioxidants that work well on the areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning. They are also known for their ability to slow down the age-related changes in the brain, so a piece of chocolate with a traditional afternoon cup of tea is what the doctor ordered. Naturally, the chocolate should be high in cocoa beans (at least 75%). Drinking cocoa is better prepared from natural raw powder, rather than a sweetened semi-finished product.
Green tea
Green tea is a unique drink that promotes the health of both the body and the brain. Green tea contains catechins, natural antioxidants with antibacterial properties. They ward off the attacks of free radicals, which means they slow down the aging of the body and help prevent cancer and "mental" diseases. Let's not forget about the caffeine contained in green tea, which activates brain activity and improves memory.
Spinach
If you forgot about it, then it is completely in vain. Spinach, like any greens, is very good for the body, but especially for the brain. It contains lutein, beta-carotene, folic acid and vitamins (in particular, vitamin K) ─ in general, everything that works for active work and the protection of cognitive functions, which include memory and attention. If it is problematic to eat spinach neat, add it to other, more complex dishes: it will become an organic ingredient in omelet, pasta or dip.
Eggs
They are a wonderful source of choline, one of the key components of cell membranes and an important participant in its work. It is choline that is the basis for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which allows nerve cells to stably send and receive nerve impulses. Adequate daily choline is the key to a good memory. The B vitamins, also found in eggs, help slow age-related changes in brain cells.
Coconut
During your vacation on exotic islands, lean on coconuts - not only tasty, but also a healthy treat. Coconut pulp and coconut milk are loaded with fatty acids ─ caprylic and lauric, which help keep brain functions active and prevent brain cells from being suppressed. By the way, a diet based on vegetables with coconut oil will help you quickly lose weight.
Avocado
This storehouse of energy and nutrients is a must have on the table of any healthy lifestyle person. Avocados contain vitamin E, which helps to strengthen memory and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Another couple of important ingredients are vitamin K and phtolates, which work together to protect the blood vessels of the brain from blood clots (preventing strokes) and improve cognitive function.
Blueberry
Blueberries are an amazing berry. It contains manganese, which, above all, contributes to vision, keeping it at the proper level. But the second life-saving function of blueberries is to stimulate the brain and improve memory. This is facilitated by the polyphenols contained in the berry, vitamins C and K and gallic acid, which protects brain cells from stress and degeneration. By the way, other “dark” berries ─ blackberries, cherries and cherries can be added to blueberries in terms of protection of mental abilities.
Apples
They contain a lot of useful vitamins. It is not for nothing that the British have a proverb that says that if you eat an apple a day, you will not need a single doctor (here is the time to remember the Russian folk "rejuvenating apples"). Well, more specifically, apples contain the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin ─ it protects us from memory loss and decreased brain activity.
Photo: Getty Images
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