Never underestimate the power of food! Every cell in your body, whether it’s a cell in your big toe or in your brain is made out of the foods you eat! The more nutrient-dense and clean (best organic/toxin-free) your food choices are, the happier and healthier you are going to feel. And there are specific foods that truly nurture, heal, repair and energize your brain. Incorporate these daily into your diet and watch your brain switch on!
Organic Green Tea: high in antioxidants to combat inflammation. Contains l-theanine, an amino acid that promotes feelings of calm and relaxation. Improves vasodilation, circulation and oxygenation of the brain. Be aware, it does contain small amounts of caffeine, so if you are caffeine sensitive, limit to the morning. Comes in delicious flavours. My favourite: Blueberry and Pomegranate Green Tea.
Wild Organic Blueberries: high in antioxidants and phytonutrients to reduce oxidative stress. Studies have shown that they may improve memory and cognition and protect against neurodegenerative disease. Amazing! I buy frozen wild organic blueberries in Trader Joe’s and include them in my shakes, smoothies and salads. Yum!
Organic Walnuts: check out a walnut – they look like a mini-brain! High in antioxidants, Omega 3s, vitamins and minerals to improve mental alertness. Especially high in Vitamin E to help you ward off dementia. Make sure you include a small handful daily.
Organic Avocados: a fruit packed with healthy monounsaturated fats that help to keep your blood sugar levels steady, your skin beautiful, and your brain working at it’s best. Avocados are rich in Vitamins C, K, B, especially folate, which may help prevent blood clots in the brain. My latest trick is to peel, cube and freeze avocados, so I have them handy for my shakes. Another favourite is chocolate avocado truffles. Email me if you want the recipe!
Organic Eggs: especially the egg yolk contains large amounts of choline and lutein, two important ingredients for brain development, learning and memory. And remember, eggs do not raise your cholesterol!
Wild Caught Salmon: one of the most nutritious, brain-friendly foods packed with Omega-3 fatty acids that help keep your brain running smoothly, improve memory and reduce brain fog. Salmon has been shown to improve attention and focus in children with ADHD. We love to make salmon burgers at home. Email me for the recipe!
Organic Broccoli: and even better broccoli sprouts! I have been nicknamed the broccoli queen in my family, and it’s rare a day goes by, that we don’t have broccoli on our menu. It is high in Vitamin K, C and choline to keep your memory sharp. Broccoli sprouts are super-high in sulforaphane a compound that may inhibit neurodegenerative disease promotes the healing of brain injuries, promotes detoxification, alleviates autoimmunity, supports healthy aging, and improves gut health. Wow, no wonder I tell everyone to eat them daily!!!
Dark Chocolate: the real thing, no dairy, not Hershey’s! Dark chocolate is chockfull of flavonols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to both the brain and heart. What’s life without chocolate?
Here are some other very worthwhile mentions: coconut and MCT oil, bone broth, olive oil, green leafy and cruciferous vegetables, berries, turmeric and rosemary.
I would love to go on but will end here and hope I’ve inspired you to make some dark chocolate, walnut, and avocado truffles, to eat an omelette with broccoli and salmon for breakfast, and to sip on some blueberry green tea.
Love and heal your brain with food!