Tips To Keep Your Brain Young
The brain is the largest organ in the central nervous system and is the control center for the entire body. It is also responsible for the complexity of thinking, memory, emotions and language.
brain food
To nourish the brain cells we must choose foods rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids:
- Sprouted (from alfalfa, lentils and broccoli).
- Dried fruits, especially walnuts.
- Sunflower Seeds: Contains folic acid, which improves brain performance and helps prevent stroke.
- Broccoli: Excellent for memory, especially when steamed.
- Oatmeal: You can have it for breakfast, as a vegetable drink or well-cooked with vegetable creams and soups.
- Very ripe banana: has vitamin B6, which is involved in the synthesis of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that influences memory.
- Green tea : has protective components of brain functions.
- Cocoa : favors the production of endorphins, substances in the brain that make you feel good.
- Wheat germ: rich in minerals and antioxidants
- Flax oil : has essential fatty acids
- Parmesan cheese: source of tyrosine, an amino acid precursor of dopamine, which promotes memorization and learning.
Coenzyme Q 10
This coenzyme is essential for the transformation and contribution of energy to every living cell and increases longevity by slowing the aging process. This is due to its antioxidant power that neutralizes free radicals.
There are foods that help us to produce it naturally, such as nuts, cabbage or spinach.
We can also choose to take it as a supplement for a period of time of at least 3 months.
three medicinal plants
One of the best natural remedies to improve oxygenation in the brain, as well as in the extremities, is ginkgo biloba, a plant that improves circulation to the brain and, in turn, mental capacity. We can start taking it when we notice lack of memory, concentration, etc.
We can take it, for example, in the form of an extract, but it is convenient to take a break from time to time so that the body does not get used to it and continues to obtain benefits.
Centella or gotu kola is a plant traditionally used in Indian medicine to improve general circulation, in a similar way to ginkgo biloba. A good option would be to alternate the use of these two medicinal plants.
Sometimes we look down on some plants that we have within our reach that were simply used by our ancestors for many diseases. One of them is rosemary.
Although we should watch or consult a doctor if we suffer from high blood pressure, rosemary () has very useful antioxidant properties to prevent the damage that free radicals cause to neurotransmitters and acts as a natural protector of the brain.
In Ancient Greece, it was used to improve memory and even students used a rosemary wreath before their tests.
Mint essential oil
Mint essential oil is an excellent brain stimulant that we can easily acquire and use daily.
We can gently rub the temples with a couple of drops of this oil, which is also very refreshing and has a very pleasant aroma.
find the balance
As with everything, any part of our body has to be used frequently to function properly.
Therefore, we have to find a balance between disuse due to age, sedentary lifestyle, and abuse.
To exercise the brain, we can do sudokus, memory games, card games, do math, recall object lists, perform text interpretation exercises, etc.
If, on the contrary, you suffer from situations of mental overload, choose to exercise daily, sunbathe, have contact with nature, take deep breaths, go to a masseuse, etc.
If you can’t disconnect at night and your brain is still functioning, you can take infusions of passionflower or valerian and try to keep your mind blank for a few minutes before bedtime.
Work affairs should not accompany us when we leave work. Just as important as using your brain is knowing how to let it rest.
Images courtesy of wiccked and mohammadali
