When you’re enjoying a meal, are you mindful of the food you’re eating for a healthy brain? Maybe you’re thinking about nourishing your muscles if you’re an athlete, or consuming vitamin C if it’s flu season. But the brain? I think we tend to forget (no pun intended) about the brain when it comes to nutrition.
The brain is a multitasking machine that requires a ton of energy and quality nutrition. It relies on glucose for fuel. In fact, glucose from carbohydrates is the primary source of energy for every cell in the body. When the brain doesn’t have enough glucose, the nerve cells struggle with communicating which can lead to forgetfulness and poor concentration.
Your brain is constantly working, creating every memory, enabling every move and every step you take. Remember the scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz, “If I only had a brain”? We all want to stay sharp later in life and that requires nourishment, exercise, sleep and less stress. Imagine how much better your brain could function if you were to make these adjustments to your daily routine? I believe that what we feed our brain today will have a big impact on how it functions as we get older.
Brain candy:1
- About 75 percent of the brain is water, so dehydration can have a negative effect.
- Your brain uses 20% of the body’s oxygen and energy requirements.2
- The fastest speed for information to pass between neurons is about 250 mph.
- The human brain weighs about three pounds.
Your brain on products by PURE
Besides glucose, there are other nutrients the brain needs. Antioxidants protect the brain against free radical damage. Things like beta-carotene (from carrots),1 lutein (from fruits and vegetables)3 and selenium (from Brazil nuts) may help to decrease oxidative damage and thus prevent cognitive decline.4 CalciuMK+ is a good source of selenium. Daily Build, a CORE4 product, is a rich in antioxidants. Its 23 essential vitamins and minerals, vegetable extracts, antioxidants, phytonutrients, amino acids and trace minerals help support brain and nervous system function.*
Vitamins A, C and E also help protect the brain against oxidative stress.5 Mangosteen is known for its antioxidant content and its ability to neutralize free radicals in the body. Think B vitamins for brain health. When our diets lack B vitamins, the cells in our brain do not communicate as efficiently. You may lack concentration or feel fatigued. B12 (from animal protein), B6 (from pork, chicken, eggs) and folate (from eggs, leafy greens) can help with memory and cognition.6 ENERGY and Daily Build are excellent sources of B vitamins.
Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in normal growth and development and brain function.* Deficiencies in omega-3 can cause fatigue and problems with memory.6 Mila contains 3 grams of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) omega-3 fatty acid. The whole family can enjoy Mila as an easy addition to meals.
Studies show that curcumin, the substance that gives curry its yellow color, may improve memory and mood in people with mild memory loss.7 Daily Build has a Bio-Protection Blend that contains turmeric extract, from curcumin. Read: Spice up your cleansing regimen.
Daily Detox helps cleanse the body of toxins. The absence of toxins in the body naturally helps clear our thinking and improves our mood.*
If you’re looking for mental focus, PURE Perk is your go-to drink. This stimulating coffee provides mental focus in just minutes and boosts energy up to five hours! Methylliberine is a chemical that may promote the release of dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter that influences mood, memory and pleasurable reward.*
Next time you sit down for a meal, remember to feed your brain. Prepare for the future by keeping good nutrition top of mind.
1 https://www.healthline.com/health/fun-facts-about-the-brain#2
2 https://www.pnas.org/content/99/16/10237.full
3https://luteinforeveryage.com/nutrition-health/other-ingredients/beta-carotene
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4638416/
5 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171229095132.htm
6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2649700/
7http://www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com/content/nutrition/art3258.html
8 https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/01/24/curry-ingredient-may-improve-memory/131659.html
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