Top 5 Ways to Boost your Brain Power

Millions of dollars are spent each year on weight-loss products and diet pills, which if, you’re looking to take care of your body and shed those extra pounds. However, we spend so much time admiring (or criticizing) our abs, thighs, or upper arms that we often forget one of the most critical parts of the body – the brain.

Like a muscle, the brain needs to be continuously worked to stay in tip-top shape; otherwise, you put yourself at serious risk for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Current research has shown that your lifestyle and diet are crucial for maintaining cognitive functions. Fortunately for you, even if you don’t have an entire library to indulge in, you can still feed your brain with these life-changing tips and tricks.

Brain-boosting Tips and Tricks

1. Fishy Business: Whether you like to take your weight loss to the great outdoors and fish for your dinner, or want to stock up on healthy foods when you’re in the supermarket, fish is one of the best sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which have proven to boost brain functioning. Omega-3s can be found in salmon, tuna, shrimp, and shellfish.

Don’t like fish or can’t stand the flavor? Don’t worry. Omega-3s can also be found in walnuts, olives, and heart-healthy oils such as olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and flaxseed oil.

2. Think B for Brain: Although the Vitamin B family can seem long and confusing at first, recent research has shown that supplementing with Vitamin B6 and vitamin B-12 can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These vitamins provide the basic building blocks for various proteins and hormones, including serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Aim for about 10-25 mg per day if you want to get the full benefits of these essential vitamins.

You can boost your Vitamin B intake with dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens.

3. Have a Heart: A healthy heart is necessary for a healthy brain, and one of the best ways to lower your risk of heart disease is to reduce your cholesterol levels and keep your blood pressure in check. We recommend that you consult your physician or doctor regularly and make sure you know your numbers, such as triglyceride count and blood glucose levels.

4. Work that Body: Not to sound contradictory to the above paragraphs, but did you know that exercising the body is one of the best ways to keep the brain healthy and functioning correctly?

Whether it’s a 30-minute cardio burn or a 15-minute muscle blaster, daily physical exercise can increase blood flow and circulation to the brain, supplying your vital organ with essential nutrients and oxygen.

Additionally, the more you exercise, the more you reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity – so feel free to work that body, even if your mind feels exhausted.

5. Spice it Up: Certain spices such as Turmeric have been associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Although it’s commonly found in Indian food and curries, you can easily add turmeric to your favorite foods, such as chicken entrees, soups, and omelets.

Food for Thought

You have two feet, two legs, two arms, two ears, and two eyes, but you only have one mind and one heart. Make sure you’re getting the most out of your most important part of yourself so you can stay healthy for years to come.