Our body must be fed right to have the stamina to handle the stress we feel. Having the proper diet will strengthen the immune system and keep stress from knocking it down. The best work out is a jujitsu or self defense class. This not only strengthens our body, but it will make us feel safer by training you in what to do in a life and death situation. Other activities running, jogging, rock climbing, or anything that raises our heart rate will also benefit us. It is proven that in doing this, memory will improve, our immune system will strengthen, and just aids in all round brain and body function.

Amazing Brain foods!

Eat up….

1. Blueberries—Blueberries serve a wide range of functions for improving mental stability. Also, regular blueberry consumption has been shown to improve memory function. That means you may be able to find your keys. I locked my keys in my car 3 times in one day because of PTSD. So be Kind to your self when the stress affects your memory! Furthermore, blueberries are rich in antioxidants, helping to prevent free radical damage. Still not convinced? Research has found that blueberries can also reverse age related declines in motor function, balance, and coordination.

2. Salmon/Hemp Seeds—these are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, salmon and the less fishy alternative Hemp seeds help your brain develop tissue for increasing your brain power. This can help prevent plaques from forming on the brain. This causes Alzheimer’s. So salmon and Hemp with its Omega 3 fatty acids is helpful in fighting Alzheimer’s and other age-related cognitive disorders.

3. Flax seeds—Flax seeds are crammed with ALA- a healthy fat that aids the cerebral cortex in functioning better. This is the portion of the brain responsible for processing sensory information. This means that your five senses Taste, Hearing, sight, and touch can be improved. When in depression colors are not as vivid. And everything seems bland. This may mean your brain needs this food. Keeping it sharp is vital.

4. Coffee—regular coffee drinking has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other mental disorders. Now this does not mean to go to your local star bucks! The important thing to note is you shouldn’t add in all the other junk to your coffee (Starbucks drinks are crammed with sweeteners and fatty products). This will spike your blood sugar and when you come down man, you feel it. Many are addicted to caffeine and must have it to prevent withdraw. Withdraw from caffeine is a migraine. Moderation is important. I only have two cups a day and: After one I don’t have any more. But caffeine can help pain and Head aches by dilating or making your blood vestals larger. This increases the oxygen to your brain and can relive some pain. However like any drug over use can cause addiction and create more problems.

5. Mixed nuts—Peanuts, walnuts, pecans, and other nuts contain properties that help with everything from fighting insomnia to promoting mental clarity and strong memory. Walnuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids while almonds contain natural mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are like tennis players hitting the ball or message back and forth. When those tennis players get tired the message gets slower and you may feel a bit of a drag. So adding Nuts to your diet may keep you from going nuts!

6. Avocados—don’t let the avocado’s fat content fool you. It’s a healthy fat that promotes blood flow, keeping your mind functioning at its peak. Avocados are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, K, folate, and B6. Half an avocado has 15 grams of heart-healthy unsaturated fat, and only 2 grams saturated fat. One globe contains more than one-third daily value of vitamin C, and more than half the day’s requirements of vitamin K. That’s not all: Avocados have also been shown to reduce blood pressure. Just an all round healthy brain food!

7. Eggs—Egg yolks are rich in choline, an essential nutrient to improving memory function. Fact: Eggs are a good source of nutrients. One egg contains 6 grams of protein and some healthful unsaturated fats. Eggs are also a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which may protect against vision loss.
Fact: Eggs have a lot of cholesterol. The average large egg contains 212 milligrams of cholesterol. As foods go, that’s quite a bit, rivaled only by liver, shrimp, and duck meat.

8. Whole grains—from oatmeal to whole grain bread, whole grains are excellent brain foods. They improve circulation and contain essential fibers, vitamins, and even some Omega-3. Just make your sandwiches from whole grain breads to enjoy the benefits.

9. Chocolate—for me, this is the yummiest brain food of all. Dark chocolate is antioxidant-rich, and it also improves focus and concentration. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, improves memory and reaction time. Dark chocolate also is heart healthy by annihilating free radicals that can hurt your heart. This also can lower your blood pressure. YUMMY!

10. Broccoli—Broccoli has been shown to improve memory function as well as slow the aging process. This green tree is the king of low carbohydrates vegetables – 1.1 grams of carbohydrate per 100g! (After fiber subtracted) A chemical in vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage can boost DNA repair in cells and may stop them becoming cancerous Eating steamed broccoli reduces the risk of a heart attack by boosting the body’s ability to fight off cell damage, researchers have found. It also, contains more vitamin C than an orange! (Ounce for ounce) Vitamin C is great for your hair, skin, teeth, fighting infections and keeping red blood cells healthy. Additionally, broccoli contains as much calcium as a glass of milk! (Ounce for ounce) Calcium helps to keep you heart beating regularly and promotes sleep. Broccoli is also a good source of folate. Folate is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells. Broccoli is also a good source of iron. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin and, therefore, iron is required for normal blood formation and oxygen transport around the body. Broccoli is also a great source of fiber. Also, it is a good source of potassium. Potassium plays an important role in the physical fluid system of humans and it assists nerve functions. Broccoli is also a good source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is known to be needed to coagulate blood and to maintain proper bone density. And For women it plays a key role in proper development of the fetus.

Yes now you know we are what we eat! We must not only feed our body but also our brain. And by eating right we can help prepare not only the body but mind to handle the day in day out stress that an attack can cause.