You
may think your mental capacity is at a pretty good level and your thought
processes fluid and fully functional, but what if they could be even better?
The fact is, the human brain has tremendous potential and recent advances in
medical science have unearthed clues into optimizing the way you feel, think
and interface with the world around you.
Sounds
far-fetched, but this “optimization” is simply the process of neurogenesis,
which can best be explained as the way our brain renews and evolves by creating
new neurons and other cells essential to the brain and central nervous
system.
This
is the process by which the brain is formed in fetal development but it then
continues to keep the brain functioning as we grow. A fully functioning brain
has many different types of neurons and other cells all with their own
specialty. This incredible diversity in the types of neurons and brain cells is
regulated by neurogenesis.
Take
the hippocampus, the emotional and memory center of the brain, there are 27
known types of neurons required to accomplish its unique task.
During
neurogenesis, the stem cells of the brain differentiate, or transform into
whatever type of neuron or brain cell is required depending on the times and
locations of the process. This was quite a discovery for the medical community.
Up until about thirty years ago it was widely believed that the central nervous
system, of which the brain is the MVP, was incapable of regeneration.
Stem
cells were first discovered in the brain in the early 1990’s and today we see
that neurogenesis is a normal process of any healthy brain. Neurogenesis is
arguably the greatest discovery in medical science to have come from the last
century and more progress in the field is being made every year. The greatest
thing we have learned is that it is possible to improve the process by the
lifestyle choices we make as individuals.
As
the production of neurons increases its capacity the functions of the brain and
body as a whole receives specific benefits. High rates of neurogenesis have
been associated with improved moods, less anxiety and even resilience in the
presence of stressful situations. Improved cognitive function, faster learning
and better memory skills are other benefits of neurogenesis.
It
has been said that adhering to specific diet plans is the best way to improve
neurogenesis. The following section will discuss some of the most important
foods that promote neurogenesis and brain health.
Nootropic Energy gum provides
a convenient and natural way to maintain an active mind and a sharp edge over
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A Neurogenesis
Promoting Diet - The Foods that Improve the Brain from Inside Out
Nutritionists
all agree that a diet geared toward higher neurogenesis has plenty of other
benefits as well. First and foremost, it is great for preventing heart disease.
It also mounts an excellent defense against stress, anxiety and Alzheimer’s
disease. Following are the primary considerations for such a diet plan:
●
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Go
for those vegetables that are high in fiber and low in starch. By avoiding the
carbs and processed foods and loading up on the fiber you will feel more
satisfied and keep your digestive system clean and functional. This will better
absorb the important nutrients that will promote high rates of neurogenesis.
Cooked or raw (preferably raw, and never overcooked) fruits and veggies should
make up the largest portion of your diet.
●
High Quality Fats
When
you need high quality fats, the fisherman’s market is where you begin your
search. Sockeye salmon, Alaskan salmon, sardines, black cod and sablefish have
high quantities of Omega-3’s. Neurogenesis can be increased by as much as 40%
by the appropriate intake of Omega-3’s, according to a 2007 post in the Science
Daily by Sandrine Thuret, Ph.D., of London's King's College.
Many
other studies have been done to support this discovery. Omega-3s have also been
found to increase BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels. BDNF is a
protein that increases brain cell longevity and optimizes other brain functions
as well.
There
is another important fat to include here: coconut oil. This should be a kitchen
staple, because it is very cheap and abundant. In addition to improving
cognition, Alzheimer’s sufferers have seen increased improvement in their
conditions with three spoonful’s of coconut oil each day.
●
Blueberries
Mother
Nature prepared her own specialized miracle drug for promoting brain health and
specifically neurogenesis, wrapped it in a tart juicy blue orb and we call it
the “blueberry”. A plethora of brain protecting nutrients are in this culinary
delight and you can eat as much as you like with only positive results. It is a widely accepted fact that individuals
suffering from cognitive decline improve their condition after consuming
regular servings of blueberries.
Blueberries
promote neurogenesis through their high quantities of polyphenols, whose
benefits include cancer prevention and cardiovascular resilience. One
phytonutrient in particular, a flavonoid called anthocyanin, is especially
beneficial to the process. These brain boosting nutrients have been studied for
their capacity to stop the progress of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
●
Green Tea
Another
brain boosting delight is green tea, also known as “meditation in a glass”.
Like blue berries, green tea has a high polyphenol content, the most
significant of which is a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). The
benefits from green tea include increased rates of neurogenesis, BDNF levels
and immune system function.
In Conclusion
Don’t
forget that all these nutrients are available as foods and as supplements. You
should find the best way to introduce them into your lifestyle for long term
benefits. You may find that green tea can be especially invigorating and better
in the mornings than before bed.
Blueberries
are delicious but eating them every day can be expensive if they aren’t grown
locally. Nevertheless, the same benefits can be found in capsule form in many
health food outlets or online stores.
Remember
that the greatest benefits you can receive from a diet promoting neurogenesis
will be gained in the long term. This is the most effective way to rejuvenate
your brain from the inside out and will improve your results in the end.
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