In L. Frank Baum's enchanting story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Scarecrow wanted a brain. The fact is, the brain is a very complex organism and it is imperative to know how to properly feed it, take care of it, and nurture it so it does exactly what it was designed to do. Your brain has 100 billion nerve cells (the same number of stars in our galaxy), 1,000 trillion connections, and 400 miles of blood vessels. Laughter requires the activity of 5 different areas of the brain. Every new thought and idea results in new brain connectivity, which enhance thinking, feelings, creativity, and achievement.
John Tamiazzo is the author of Returning to the Land of Oz available at Amazon.com, Amazon, ca, Barnesandnoble.com, and as a Kindle e-book at Amazon.com
Therefore, you feed the brain by the nutritious food you eat, the uplifting thoughts you entertain, the noble beliefs and values you hold, the positive attitude you possess, and the quality of your perceptions. Enjoyable exercise, play, dance, laughter, relaxation, meditation, being in nature, and continuing to learn new things feed the brain.
Andrew Weil, M.D. once said that ‘Fast food is one of the most unhealthful dietary developments in human history.” Richard Wurtman, research psychiatrist at MIT said, “The ability of a meals composition to affect the production of brain chemicals distinguishes the brain from all other organs.”
Andrew Weil, M.D. once said that ‘Fast food is one of the most unhealthful dietary developments in human history.” Richard Wurtman, research psychiatrist at MIT said, “The ability of a meals composition to affect the production of brain chemicals distinguishes the brain from all other organs.”
The brain is 50-60 percent fat and, thus, is the favorite breeding ground for free radicals. Free radicals are hazardous chemicals that corrupt your brain cells genetic DNA and erode the neurons normal functioning. Free radicals are generated when you breathe or burn calories during normal metabolism. So, they are a natural part of living. But, they are also generated when you breathe in cigarette smoke and polluted air. Free radicals are carried into cells through food, notably fatty food. Under certain circumstances, free radicals are good in that they help to destroy invading bacteria and viruses. But, once they get out of control, they can wreak havoc on your brain cells. A high-fat diet and sugary foods are enemies of the brain.
The human brain was never designed to process the amount of sugar you feed it. It is estimated that each person in the US consumes nearly 150 pounds of sugar a year! In addition, you consume foods rich in saturated fats, transfats, and prepared with hydrogenated oils. If you look closely at most of the food stocked in supermarkets across America and you take the time to read what is in the food and how much fat and suger it contains, you might be surprised at how unhealthy the food is. A can of soda typically contains 10 teaspoons of sugar regardless if it is regular or diet.
Antioxidants are chemicals that neutralize free radicals and keep them under control. Antioxidants act as the body’s ever-vigilant army that searches out and destroys free radicals and attempts to repair the damage they have caused. It is important that antioxidants predominate over free radicals to enhance the brain’s circuitry and repair the cells when necessary. Antioxidants are best produced by eating foods that are antioxidant rich. Creating a strong presence of antioxidants is one of the most important things you can do for the continuing health of your brain.
The deep color in fruits and vegetables indicate their antioxidant richness. Antioxidant rich foods include: raisins, prunes, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, broccoli, beets, avocado, oranges, red grapes, red pepper, grapefruit, kidney beans, pinto beans, red beans, eggplant, apples, tomatoes, especially cooked tomato as in paste or sauce. Antioxidant rich nuts include pecans, walnuts, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. Barley, oats, oatmeal, and millet are excellent sources. Spices include cinnamon, cloves, cumin, tarragon, and oregano. Antioxidant beverages include green tea, red wine, and dark beer. But, alcoholic beverages need to be consumed in moderation.
Dark chocolate, thank God, is a rich antioxidant and when consumed in moderation it is an excellent brain food. Consider eating 1 ounce of dark chocolate that is at least 70% cacao as your primary desert. Forget about fat laden-artery clogging-gas producing-cholesterol-rich deserts like cakes, pies, ice cream, cookies, etc. In extreme moderation they are fine. But, dark chocolate is your best bet and your miracle brain will love you for it!
Dark chocolate, thank God, is a rich antioxidant and when consumed in moderation it is an excellent brain food. Consider eating 1 ounce of dark chocolate that is at least 70% cacao as your primary desert. Forget about fat laden-artery clogging-gas producing-cholesterol-rich deserts like cakes, pies, ice cream, cookies, etc. In extreme moderation they are fine. But, dark chocolate is your best bet and your miracle brain will love you for it!
John Tamiazzo is the author of Returning to the Land of Oz available at Amazon.com, Amazon, ca, Barnesandnoble.com, and as a Kindle e-book at Amazon.com
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