What we eat can determine how we feel, healthy foods often leave us feeling refreshed and energized whereas foods high in sugar and fat can leave us feeling fatigued, lethargic and mentally tired. Therefore, it is important to eat the right kinds of foods to keep your mind strong, especially if you frequently workout. With a wide variety of different foods available, it can often be difficult deciding what is good, and what is bad for your health. Here are a list 9 superfoods that Gym Equipment recommends to get you on your way.
- Eggs: For Memory and Learning
- Berries: Antioxidant Powerhouse
- Walnuts: Best Nut For The Brain
- Dark Chocolate: For Sheer Bliss
- Turmeric: Antidepressant
- Citrus Fruits: Infection Fighter
- Spinach & Kale: Source Of Mineral, Fibers & Vitamins
- Whole Grains: Carbohydrates
- Oatmeal: For Regulating Glucose
Eggs: for memory and learning
Eggs are a high quality source of protein packed full of vitamin b12, essential for fatty acid and amino acid metabolism whilst also being a source of omega 3 fatty acids. What makes eggs so special in regards to keeping your mind strong? Eggs contain nutrients which support brain development, brain health and enhance memory. Additionally, eggs are high in an amino acid known as tryptophan which is a building block of serotonin (the happiness molecule). With such a versatile ingredient, eggs can be included in a wide variety of different meals including omelets, pancakes, egg on toast, scrambled eggs, and even within cakes.
Berries: Antioxidant Powerhouse
Fruit, in general, contains antioxidants. However, berries especially are packed full of the good stuff. What exactly are antioxidants? Antioxidants contain various different vitamins, including beta-caratone, vitamin C and vitamin E. These are essential for fighting diseases and maintain a healthy body with research showing increased levels of antioxidants within an individual?s diet lowering the risk of heart-related problems and even cancer. So, what type of berries should you eat? Start with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, these should provide you with the essential vitamins required, whilst also being a refreshing snack.
Walnuts: Best Nut For The Brain
Packed full of protein, walnuts provide a perfect snack after your workout. Not only that, walnuts are significantly high in DNA (a form of omega 3 fatty acids), proven to improve cognitive function within adults, protect brain health within newborns and help prevent age-related cognitive decline. A handful of walnuts a day is plenty to receive all of the benefits, be careful not to eat too many as they are packed full of protein, increasing your chances of putting on weight.
Dark Chocolate: For Sheer Bliss
Not only is dark chocolate delicious, and a must-have treat after working out? of course? Dark chocolate also possesses many health benefits. Similarly to berries, dark chocolate is a source of antioxidants, perfect for fighting diseases and staying healthy with research suggesting it may improve brain function. Other health benefits include the potential risk of heart disease, may protect your skin from the sun and lowers blood flow and blood pressure.
Turmeric: Antidepressant
Tumeric, the spice often found in curries has been shown to act as an antidepressant and acts against both depression and anxiety. Curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric, with scientific evidence suggesting it can help balance serotonin, dopamine, glutamate and noradrenaline levels, essential for brain health. Further research also indicates turmeric to significantly lower the risk of cancer. So there you have it, don?t feel guilty whilst eating curry, and if anything, eat more of them.
Citrus Fruits: Infection Fighter
Citrus fruits are rich vitamin C, essential for boosting the immune system, especially during winter. Additionally, citrus fruits are known to help prevent stomach cancer, mouth ulcers and generally promote good health whilst avoiding sickness. Citrus fruits include oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, lemon, and limes. Try including a portion of citrus fruits every day to boost the immune system and remain healthy.
Spinach & Kale: Source Of Mineral, Fibers & Vitamins
Spinach and Kale often come under the topic of the world?s healthiest foods, and that?s for good reason. Packed full of essential vitamins and fibers, spinach and kale offer a wide variety of health benefits. Kale, however, is seen to include more than 4x the amount of vitamin C to its
counterpart, also containing a rich source of vitamin A, B6, and K, with benefits being extensive as promoting eye and skin health. Perfect as a snack, in a salad or in a sandwich, these bad boys are your go-to for all things health.
Whole Grains: Carbohydrates
Whole grains are available in a wide variety of different foods such as wholegrain bread, wholegrain pasta, rice and even within cereal bars. Wholegrains are everywhere, providing a quality source of carbohydrates. Why exactly do we need carbohydrates you ask? Carbohydrates are the bodies preferred energy source, helping us get through the long days in the office and essential if you workout. Once more, eating whole grains couldn?t be easier, simply switch some of your everyday products such as white bread for wholegrain bread, white pasta for brown pasta and throw in a cereal bar here or there.
Oatmeal: For Regulate Glucose
Oatmeal is one of the oldest and most popular breakfasts across the world. Consisting of slow release carbohydrates oatmeal provides a long-term source of energy, allowing you to feel full and energized until lunchtime. With many ways to eat it and many different toppings, oatmeal contains a low glycemic index, useful for maintaining glucose levels. For those diagnosed with diabetes, oatmeal may help in managing their blood sugar, whilst oatmeal served plain can even reduce the amount of insulin the individual needs throughout the day.
If you find regular oatmeal boring, why not try it with different toppings? For example, why not try greek yogurt, banana and chia seeds or if you?re feeling a little plain a classic drizzle of honey or Canadian syrup.
If you like to exercise…
If you workout, it is paramount that you are fueling your body correctly. Not only is this to replenish calories lost, but it is also essential to remain healthy in both body, and mind. Take into account these 9 superfoods listed above to see your health change, from better skin to never getting ill, these 9 superfoods really are super.
Conclusion
You can make a positive impact on your mind by eating healthy superfoods that promote a strong mind. Here’s to that!