The power of the brain

A French epicurean said: "Tell me what you eat, and I'll tell you who you are." But is it possible that certain foods make you smarter, happier, or allow you to react more positively to stress? Could junk food lead to misconduct? We constantly draw links between our food and how we perceive, think and act.

For example, did you know that depression and aggression have been linked to diets high in harmful fats and low in beneficial fruits and vegetables? That fish and seafood can eliminate the risk of Alzheimer's disease or dementia? Or that tea can induce a peaceful state of mind without affecting alertness?

Memory, alertness and mood can be influenced by your nutritional choices. Although intelligence and mental functions are complex and involve multiple systems and devices of the body, some key nutrients can stimulate the brain force.

Foods that increase mental power

Antioxidants: Foods and supplements containing antioxidants (eg. Phytochemicals, catechins) can improve brain health and longevity. Vegetables and fruits contain phytochemicals dark (especially blueberries), and full of green tea catechins.

Omega-3: omega-3, found in many types of fish and seafood, including salmon, halibut and scallops, reduce inflammation of the brain and promotes regeneration of nerve cells.

Vitamins B: Vitamin B is good for the brain, it is no doubt. The family of B vitamins is a rich source of food for the nervous system. The messages transmitted by the brain to the nerves and vice versa depend on the B-complex vitamins, particularly folic acid, vitamin B6 and choline. We are surrounded by foods containing vitamin B complex Folic acid is found in dark green vegetables including spinach, asparagus, romaine lettuce, and turnip greens and mustard. Many varieties of beans also contain folic acid. Try black beans, chickpeas or pinto beans to a feast of folic acid. Crack an egg to absorb choline: This B vitamin found in abundance in the egg yolk. Other sources include soybean, peanut butter, potatoes or whole wheat bread.

Iron: Iron helps the blood to supply oxygen to our body. Iron deficiency has been associated with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, learning disabilities, and mental retardation. Needless to say, so that foods containing iron can intensify our ability to reason. Iron is found in spinach, blackstrap molasses, lentils, tofu, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

Vitamin E: Some people slow their mental decline by daily crossword puzzles or playing sudoku. Foods containing vitamin E also help you keep the spirit alive! Vitamin E, especially when taken together with vitamin C, reduces the cognitive decline associated with aging. The following foods: turnip greens and mustard, spinach and broccoli are rich in vitamin E, all you can nourish the spirit. And if the green does not appeal to you, nibble sunflower seeds, almonds or olives to get a good dose of vitamin E.