Source: Aliya Faust / Radio One
The Brain is where all your body functions start so you have to feed your Brain just like you do anything else. The Brain is a muscle just like everything else and you have to keep it active with reading along with being creative. www.naturallivingideas.com
Though small in stature, edible plant seeds are densely packed with nutrients that help boost brainpower. Seeds are rich in healthy fats, essential amino acids, antioxidants, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. These are the best ones for your head:
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E and thiamine, both of which are vital to a fully functioning mind. Studies have shown that vitamin E supports healthy brain function, improves cognitive performance, and reduces the risk of dementia later in life. Likewise, thiamine plays a key role in brain function; people who are deficient in thiamine are at a much greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Sunflower seeds are also high in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that boosts serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is involved in both mood and learning, with lower levels associated with several cognitive impairments and higher levels having a beneficial impact on memory and attention.
Flaxseed
Offering a vegan alternative to fatty fish, flaxseed is one of the best plant sources for brain boosting omega-3 fatty acids. Flax is also an excellent source of thiamine and vitamin K. Its wealth of other B vitamins, like folate and niacin, ensures that flaxseed can protect the aging brain from cognitive decline.
Pumpkin Seeds
Not only do pumpkin seeds contain vitamin K, folate, and thiamine, they are also teeming with good-for-the-brain minerals:
Magnesium has been shown to preserve cognitive function and promote synaptic plasticity in the brain, which contributes to both learning and memory. Per cup, pumpkin seeds provide 185% of the daily value for magnesium.
Iron deficiencies have been linked to cognitive impairments such as reduced attention span, intelligence, sensory perception, and the phenomenon of “brain fog”. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of iron, providing 115% of the daily value.
Copper, too, is essential for maintaining brain function and health. Low levels of copper in the body and brain increases one’s risk of several neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Pumpkin seeds are rich in copper, providing 96% of the daily value.
Sign Up For Our Newsletter!
