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FOOD
FOR THE BRAIN |
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My mother
frequently reminds me ‘eat
more vegetables’ especially when
chicken is served in different Chinese preparations,
because it is my favorite food. She says vegetables
are good for skin, eyes, stomach and brain.
When I read the passage ‘Food for the
brain’ from the book ‘Maximise your
brain power’, I realized that all mothers
around the world whether she is in India, U
S A, U K or U A E has same views about the child
food.
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Your
mother was right when she told you to eat all
your vegetables. The enormous feats, which the
brain performs on a daily basis, require an optimum
supply of many nutrients.
If you don’t obtain a good
supply of nutrients from your diet, this
will have consequences for your thought processes
and emotional well-being.
Glucose for energy
Even though the brain amounts to only 2 percent
of our body mass, it uses up 20 percent of the
body’s available energy – almost all
of which comes in the form of glucose. This is
true even when the body is at rest. In order to
ensure that the brain has an adequate supply of
glucose, your diet should contain as many complex
carbohydrates as possible. Rice,
bread, whole meal products and potatoes
are probably the best sources, and should make
up about 40 percent about your diet.
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Vitamins
A whole series of vitamin supports the body’s
metabolism, which is essential for the normal
operation of the brain cells. If the little helpers
are not on the job you will suffer from a lack
of concentration, forgetfulness, tiredness and
depression.
Vitamin C, for example, is now known as the ‘thinking
vitamin’. It has been established
in tests that the IQ of people with high levels
of vitamin C in their bodies was higher than those
with higher values. A kiwi fruit or a glass of
fresh grapefruit juice provides a sufficient supply
of vitamin C to last you through the day. Because
vitamin C is water-soluble, your body cannot store
it, so it is important to maintain your daily
dose.
The B vitamins, especially vitamin B12 which is
found in high concentration in animal liver or
in eggs, are good for the nerves. Folic acid is
reputed to guarantee desire and a zest for life,
and it is also found in liver and eggs.
Minerals and trace
elements
These perform vital functions by aiding the electrical
transmission of nerve messages and in supplying
nerve cells. Calcium potassium and sodium are
among the most important minerals. A mineral deficiency,
particularly in these three, will lead to a decline
in performance.
The trace element iron is indispensable for the
supply of oxygen to the brain. If iron is missing,
you become tired and listless, and your concentration
diminishes.
What can you do?
A balanced and varied diet of freshly prepared
food is the best insurance against vitamin and
nutrient deficiencies. Many doctors now recommended
vitamin supplements, especially of vitamin C and
the B vitamins. If you suspect your diet is not
giving sufficient nutrients, talk to a nutritionist.
Only an expert can ascertain your nutrient level
and recommend steps to remedy it.
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