Brain Foods from the food pyramid

Posted by Admin Saturday 6 September 2008

The question is Are there really foods good for the brain? The answer is yes and we maybe don't know its already part of our daily food intake. We know that our body needs vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy. So does our brain and nerves. Check out this list to see if your diet includes brain food.

Vitamin B1, B5, B6, B12 and Folic acid

Vitamin B1 - Essential for healthy brain and nerve cells.
It is found in:
  • whole grain
  • bread rice
  • pasta
  • fortified cereals
  • pork

Vitamin B5 - Forms a co-enzymes that helps in transmission of nerve impulses.
It can be found in:
  • meat
  • poultry
  • fish
  • whole grain cereals
  • legumes
  • milk
  • vegetables
  • fruits.

Vitamin B6 - Helps convert tryptophan into serotin, a brain chemical.
It can be found in:
  • chicken
  • fish
  • pork
  • liver
  • kidney
  • whole grain cereals
  • nuts
  • legumes.

Vitamin B12 - Helps in the maturation of red blood cells, the formation of proteins and maintenance of nervous tissue.
It is found in:
  • eggs
  • meat
  • fish
  • poultry
  • milk
  • dairy products
Folic Acid - Essential for metabolism of long chain fatty acids in the brain. It is important for pregnant women because low levels increase the risk of neural tube deffects in newborns.
It is found in:
  • banana
  • orange juice
  • fortified cereals
  • lemons
  • strawberry
  • cantaloupe
  • leafy vegetables
  • dried beans
  • peas
Minerals - Magnesuim, Potasuim and Calcuim play abig role in nerve function

Magnesuim can be found in:
  • whole grains
  • legumes
  • nuts
  • green vegetables
Potassuim can be found in:
  • apricots
  • avocados
  • bananas
  • cantalopue
  • grapefruit
  • honeydew
  • kiwi
  • oranges
  • prunes
  • strawberries
  • potatoes
  • meat
  • fish
Calcium can be found in:
  • milk and milk products
  • cheese
  • yogurt
  • calcium fortified foods
  • fish with edible bones
Water, yes water! water is absolute must for brain power. because 80 percent of our brain is water our brain get's thirsty too, imagine if our brain gets thirsty maybe we couldn't think right, right away some memory gaps and lapses happens. Stress can cause brain to dehydrate, so drink extra water. when your worried, tired and under pressure. Hydration is primary rule of brain nutrition. Here's a tip if your urine is pale yellow and almost odorless, you are drinking enough water. Drink pure water and plenty of it at least 9 glasses a day ( for a change because we know its 8 right ) but you will need more glasses as higher activity levels takes place like weather illness, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Perhaps you noticed the variety of foods listed above, All the food groups are represented. It is important to eat variety of foods, using the food pyramid as a guide for the food groups and portions. Following the food pyramid, will help you include the variety of nutrients your body needs, including the ones for our brain and nerves that can help to stimulate our brain for all daily functions .