Foods that Boost Brain Power

This is not a simple topic, for which a listing of food items, fruits and vegetables is given to say that this is excellent, this is good, this is so and so and this is bad for the intended boosting of brain power. If such instructions are alone followed, instead of boosting, there could be ‘power-cuts!’ Brain power is the topic that relates to good food as well as spiritual practices.

The Mind/Brain debate

Materialists claim that mind and brain are one and the same, but they are unable to tender any objective evidence. In the classical age, philosophers like Plato and Socrates, accepted the duality of mind and brain. Physical brain dies along with the destruction of the body after death. As per empirical research, mind continues to survive, even after the death of an individual.

One simple conclusion: Broadly speaking, foods that which are good to boost brain power are good for the mind power as well.

If one is to list out the points related to the power of the mind, such a listing can never come to a conclusion. If the brain is the car, the mind is the driver. The brain has to obey the commands of the mind. Mind is pure vibrating energy, has enormous power which is beyond the comprehension of an ordinary individual. It is without beginning and end and is eternal. Mind is spark of the divine, and part of the “Universal Cosmic Mind.”

Brain Power: Foods to Boost Brain Power

Keep aside the mind for a while (though it is unthinkable to think about the brain without the mind) and let us deal with the brain in isolation. Brain is the total controller of the human body. Both physical and mental well-being depends on the proper functioning of the brain. It manages the stress and keeps the energy levels. It provides clarity of thinking, to the extent it can! To increase the brain power is most desirable viewed from any angle, whether spiritual or secular. All activities need the active support of the brain. Among others, good food sharpens the brain power and provides strength to it.

Nature has in abundance food items that are supportive to the enhancement of brain power.

What to take:

• About 60% of the brain consists of essential fatty acids. Foods with high concentration of Omega-3 acids are good, like olive oil, flex seeds etc.
• Food rich in Antioxidants are a must to arrest the progressive deterioration of the brain, with the advancing age. Such foods prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, fruits like, strawberries, raisins, oranges, and blueberries.
• Food abundant in proteins is essential to maintain and enhance memory and learning ability. Lack of protein causes fatigue and weakness. The protein-rich food items are almonds and walnuts, soya beans etc.
• Vitamin B6 is known as the brain vitamin, and whole grain foods provide this to the brain to improve its activity. Some of them are Oatmeal, Brown Rice, and Oat Bran.
• Herbs like ginko biloba and rosemary.
• Phosphotidya Serine—increases lucidity and speed of learning.  Memory decline arrested.
• Vinpocetine— increases blood flow to the brain.
• Hyperacum Perforatum—Make tea of the weeds—has the mood-elevating effect.
• Sniffing basil is supposed to cause brain-boost.
• Fiber is a brain food hero. With fiber-rich food one will never suffer from constipation.    Good bowel movement assists good brain functioning and adds to its power.

What not to take

• Avoid food that cause allergies—peanuts and dairy products create such problems for many.
• Caffeine leads to poor quality decisions. Shun tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol etc.
• Potato chips, white bread and sugar affect the brain power adversely.
• Avoid artificially colored and flavored foods.

Not exactly food but more important than food.

• Do deep breathing techniques, yoga asanas and meditation
• Think cool and develop positive habits. Positive thoughts act as coolant to the brain. They are the subtle food of the brain.
• Try to remain physically fit and do brain-charge exercises regularly.
• Break away from the routine and be creative.
• Be involved in the work that you enjoy; never miss an opportunity to laugh. Laugh with others, not at others.
• Remember always. Along with good food, good thoughts are also food and they contribute to brain power.