Food For The Brain.....

Like our body, our brain, too needs proper nourishment to perform at its optimum level. Here are some of the important foods that our brain requires to perform at its best:

1. Water: Each and every function of our brain is electric in nature. And water is a good conductor of electricity. So, a hydrated brain always performs better than a partially dehydrated brain. One should have about 8 glasses of water every day to enable the brain to perform at its maximum potential.
2. Oxygen: Generally, after a big meal, people feel sleepy, because the oxygen needed by the brain is being utilized by the body to digest the food. Hence, it is advisable to have smaller meals at frequent intervals. Also Deep Breathing Techniques and Yogic Breathing Techniques like Pranayama, help in improved oxygen utilization in the brain.
3. Protein: Protein is needed by the brain for making the neurotransmitters, which are responsible for transmitting the impulses within the brain, i.e. they are messengers that carry message from neuron to neuron.
4. Carbohydrate: Carbohydrate is required by our brain as it enhances the absorption of tryptophan, an essential amino acid.
5. Fat: Our brain cells are covered by myelin sheath, which is made up of fat and omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins such as B complex and minerals such as magnesium and manganese produce energy, vitamins A, C and E preserve memory, while sodium, potassium and calcium facilitate the thinking process of the brain.
The three neurotransmitters, vital for brain functioning, found in our food are:

1. Acetylcholine: Responsible for memory, found in egg yolk, peanuts, meat, milk, milk products, fish, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.

2. Dopamine: It is responsible for movement, attention and learning. Dopamine-rich food includes fish, nuts and soy products.

3. Serotonin: A hormone of happiness. Lack of it can cause depression and an excess can induce sleep. Food sources are pasta, starchy vegetables, cereals and bread.

Healthy cooking tips for living long and healthy life!!!

A balanced diet comprising of healthy and diverse foods is key to promoting good health. Eating healthy food promotes good health and unhealthy food habits lead to a diseased body. Foods contain vital nutrients that aid our body’s metabolic function. However, a lack of consumption of these nutrients or feeding upon the wrong kinds of food leads to an accumulation of toxins within the body, resulting in chronic diseases in the long run. Based on experiences and traditions, our ancestors have used foods and plant materials to treat various kinds of illness. Obesity, high blood glucose levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and many such health issues usually need medications. However, along with medicines, some dietary modifications are a must. These diet changes will help you in the long run, irrespective of whether you are suffering from any ailment or not. If you are looking for a website dealing with healthy cooking, you can check recipes right here.

Tips for healthy cooking:

1. Reduce consumption of fat, especially saturated fat and cholesterol. Choose low-fat cheeses and milk or low-cholesterol dairy and egg substitutes whenever possible. Choose chicken, turkey, fish over red meat. Use low-fat, low cholesterol margarine instead of butter for cooking. Choose olive oil or polyunsaturated vegetable oils over tropical oils.

2. Choose a dietary pattern in which your caloric intake is consistent with energy expenditure. Keep your activity level high and limit intake of high-carbohydrate foods.

3. Increase consumption of complex carbohydrates and fiber by choosing whole-grain foods, cereals, green salads, vegetables and fruits.

4. Reduce intake of sodium by choosing foods low in sodium content and by limiting the amount of salt added in food preparation and at the table.

5. Avoid eating stale food even if it has been well preserved in the refrigerator, as it could be loaded with germs.

6. Vitamin C is good for the bones, skin, and blood. So, remember to eat a citrus fruit every day.

7. Iron deficiency is the commonest but not the only cause of anemia. Therefore, if you are anemic, consult a doctor for the diagnosis.

8. If you are vulnerable to dental cavities, then choose foods lower in sugar content and limit the frequency of consumption of foods high in sugars.

9. Women should increase consumption of foods high in calcium, including low fat dairy products, fishes like salmon, sardines and mackerel, spinach, oysters, etc.

10. Too little calories can slow down the bodys metabolism, thereby decreasing the absorption of vitamins and essential nutrients too.

11. If you tend to overeat always, eating salads before your main course will fill you up in advance, thereby making you eat less.

12. Breakfast cereals can provide just the right amounts of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals as we start the day.