Many of us are obsessed about what is in what we eat. We spend a good amount of time at the cereals aisle of the supermarket, comparing boxes and reading the nutritional labels. Normally, we'd go for the box which has the longer list, because it makes the cereal look and sound "more" nutrient-filled. If you are one of those people, kudos! You are well aware of your body's needs. However, it is equally important to feed your brain right, as it is after all, your 'central processing unit'. The brain, being the center of our nervous system, requires high-quality nutrients for it to function at its best. Here are a few of what you can look for in nutritional labels to ensure your brain's optimum processes. Fortunately, many of these are also available as dietary supplements.
A. Electrolytes
Electrolytes, which are crucial for conducting electricity in the body, come in the form of minerals such as sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium and the like. The wellness and ability of nerves to send electric signals depend greatly on the presence, and balance of these electrolytes. For instance, too much salt (sodium) and very less potassium in the body can result in the body's slow reaction to signals. Because an excessive intake of salt in the body can be detrimental to all its functions, it is best to choose natural, unprocessed foods over sodium and preservative-laden foods. Simply put, the amount of salt in canned meat, preserved vegetables, and processed dairy is too much compared to fresh meat, vegetables and fruits. To flavor these, a little table salt to taste proves to be sufficient.
Vitamin Children
B. Choline
Choline has always been an important part of the diet especially for pregnant women, and children in their early development. Like folic acid, it has been proven to be an essential nutrient that is needed for brain development in fetuses. Human milk has high levels of this nutrient. This is why breastfeeding is encouraged, especially because brain development is most crucial and active within the first few years of life. Recent researches have also been entertaining the possibility that choline may also be crucial in preventing age related memory loss. Choline is readily available in many natural foods, like whole eggs, beef liver, tofu, peanuts, almonds, spinach and cauliflowers. For people who eat very less of these, food supplements with Choline are also popular in the market.
C. B Vitamins
Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12 are all crucial for brain and nerve function. B1 and B2 assist in the release of glucose into the bloodstream, so that neurons are not "overwhelmed" by too much sugar in the brain. They also help greatly in maintaining and bettering memory. People with low levels of B2 in the body have shown signs of dementia. Vitamin B6 helps in the transportation of essential amino acids to the brain. Vitamin B12 assists in the brain's utilization of the body's carbohydrates and proteins. It also protects the nerve cells by helping the production of the myelin sheath. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 has been linked to dementia and depression. Because these conditions are mostly present in the elder generation, elder people are encouraged to increase intake of foods with high levels of the B Vitamins.
D. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are not only beneficial to the brain, but to the entire body as well. They come in the form of Vitamins C and E, which are found in great amounts in the brain and nerves. The brain cells are vulnerable to free radicals because they are made up mostly of unsaturated fat. Free radicals are generally dangerous to the body. They are believed to be the culprits of life - threatening diseases such as cancer. However, when they combine with Vitamin C, these free radicals are neutralized and will no longer pose harm. A daily dose of 500 to 1,500 mg of Vitamin C, and 400 to 800 IU of Vitamin E is recommended for the body and brain's overall wellness. Because excessive Vitamin C is simply released from the body through the urinary system, taking too much won't be a concern.
