Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts

Sunday, February 4, 2018

20 foods that will supercharge your brain:


1. Avocado
Start each day with a mix of high-quality protein and beneficial fats to build the foundation for an energized day. Avocado with scrambled eggs provides both, and the monounsaturated fat helps blood circulate better, which is essential for optimal brain function. Worst alternative: a trans-fat-filled, sugar-laden cream cheese Danish.
Green it: you don’t need to buy an organic avocado – conventional is fine. But make sure your supplementary protein is free range, cage free, or organic.
2. Blueberries
These delicious berries are one of the best foods for you, period, but they’re very good for your brain as well. Since they’re high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, they are safe for diabetics and they do not spike blood sugar. Blueberries are possibly the best brain food on earth: they have been linked to reduced risk for Alzheimer’s, shown to improve learning ability and motor skills in rats, and they are one of the most powerful anti-stress foods you can eat. Avoid: dried, sweetened blueberries.
Green it: buy local and organic, and be mindful of seasonality. When blueberries are out of season, opt for cranberries, grapes, goji berries, blackberries or cherries to get your brain boost.

3. Wild Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your brain. These beneficial fats are linked to improved cognition and alertness, reduced risk of degenerative mental disease (such as dementia), improved memory, improved mood, and reduced depression, anxiety and hyperactivity. Wild salmon is a premium source, but we’ll highlight a few other sources on this list for vegetarians and people who just don’t like salmon. Avoid farmed (read: sea lice infested) salmon.
Green it: the California salmon stock is threatened, so choose wild Alaskan salmon only, and eat small portions no more than twice a week.
4. Nuts
Nuts contain protein, high amounts of fiber, and they are rich in beneficial fats. For getting an immediate energy boost that won’t turn into a spike later, you can’t do better than nuts. The complex carbs will perk you up while the fat and protein will sustain you. Nuts also contain plenty of vitamin E, which is essential to cognitive function. You don’t have to eat raw, plain, unsalted nuts, but do avoid the ones with a lot of sweetening or seasoning blends. Filberts, hazelnuts, cashews, and walnuts are great choices, with almonds being the king of nuts.
For those avoiding carbs, macadamia nuts are much higher in fat than most nuts. By the way, peanuts just aren’t ideal. Aside from the fact that many people are allergic, peanuts have less healthy fat than many other types of nuts…maybe that’s because peanuts are not actually a nut! They’re still much better than a candy bar, however.
Green it: try to choose organic, raw nuts, and if you can’t get those, at least avoid the tins of heavily-seasoned, preservative-laden nuts that may have taken many food miles to get to your mouth.
5. Seeds
Try sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed, and tahini (a tangy, nutty sesame butter that tastes great in replacement of mayo and salad dressing). Seeds contain a lot of protein, beneficial fat, and vitamin E, as well as stress-fighting antioxidants and important brain-boosting minerals like magnesium.
Green it: Again, just look for organic and try to avoid the highly-seasoned, processed options. In general, things like fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts are pretty low-impact, environmentally speaking, in comparison to meats and cheeses.
6. Coffee
Thine eyes do not deceive (even if you are in the midst of a sugar crash). Coffee is good for your brain. Did you know coffee actually contains fiber? That’s going to help your cardiovascular system. Coffee also exerts some noted benefit to your brain in addition to providing you with a detectable energy boost.
The trick is not to have more than a few cups. But you can safely enjoy 2-4 cups daily – we are talking about supercharging here. Just please don’t go ruining a good thing by loading it up with sugar! Espresso beans are actually a phenomenally healthy snack, by the way.
Green it: brew yourself some fair-trade organic coffee to benefit both the planet and the workers who grow your beans. Use a thermos instead of a throwaway cup.

7. Oatmeal
Nature’s scrub brush is one of the best foods for cardiovascular health, which translates to brain health. Additionally, oatmeal is packed with fiber, a reasonable amount of protein, and even a small amount of Omega-3’s. It’s a good grain that will sustain you throughout the morning so you aren’t prone to irritability or an energy crash.
Green it: the healthiest oatmeal is the real, steel-cut deal. Steer clear of those little microwavable packets that are loaded with sugar. All that packaging isn’t very green.
8. Beans
One more for carb-lovers. (The brain uses about 20% of your carbohydrate intake and it likes a consistent supply.) Beans are truly an amazing food that is sadly overlooked. They’re humble, but very smart. Not only are they loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein, they’re ridiculously cheap. An entire bag of beans usually costs only a few dollars and will provide many meals. Beans provide a steady, slow release of glucose to your brain – which means energy all day without the sugar crash. Don’t go eating a whole platter of frijoles, though – just 1/4 of a cup is fine.
Green it: look for heirloom beans that are raised sustainably, like those from Rancho Gordo.
9. Pomegranate
Opt for the fruit over the juice so you get more fiber. Pomegranates contain blueberry-like levels of antioxidants, which are essential for a healthy brain. Your brain is the first organ to feel the effects of stress, so anything you can do to offset stress is a smart choice.
Green it: pomegranates are seasonal and not generally local for most of us, so enjoy sparingly and rely on other berries like acai, grapes and cherries when you can’t get this fruit.

10. Brown Rice
Brown rice is a low-glycemic complex carbohydrate that is excellent for people sensitive to gluten who still want to maintain cardiovascular health. The better your circulation, the sharper your brain.
Green it: don’t buy the excessively-packaged “boil in a bag” rice packets. Just make up a big batch of brown rice in a rice cooker on Sunday so you have it on hand for easy lunches all week.
11. Tea
You have to brew tea fresh or you won’t get the benefits of all those catechines (antioxidants) that boost your brain. Because tea has caffeine, don’t have more than 2-3 cups daily.
Green it: buy organic, fair trade loose leaf or packets to support sustainable business practices.
12. Chocolate
Things are looking increasingly better for chocolate. It’s got brain-boosting compounds, it’s loaded with antioxidants, and it has just the right amount of caffeine. Chocolate sends your serotonin through the roof, so you’ll feel happy in short order. Dark chocolate is also rich in fiber. (Remember, fiber = healthy cardiovascular system = healthy brain.)
Green it: go for super dark, fair-trade, pure organic chocolate, not the sugary, processed milk chocolate candy bars.
13. Oysters
Oysters are rich in selenium, magnesium, protein and several other nutrients vital to brain health. In one study researchers found that men who ate oysters reported significantly improved cognition and mood! Not all shellfish are good for you but oysters are a sure bet.
Green it: oysters are actually one of the most eco-friendly seafood options, so eat up!
14. Olive Oil
Though we know the brain does need a small, steady supply of glucose, don’t overlook fat. Studies have consistently shown that a low-fat diet is not the health boon we hoped it would be (remember the 90s low-fat craze?). In fact, avoiding fat can increase foggy thinking, mood swings, and insomnia. A diet rich in healthy fats is essential to clear thinking, good memory, and a balanced mood. Your brain is made of fat, after all.
One study of men found that those who relied on the processed vegetable fats found in salad dressings, snacks and prepared foods had 75% higher rates of mental degradation (dementia, memory loss) than men who ate healthy fats. Most processed foods and fast foods use corn oil, palm oil, soybean oil and other Omega-6 fats. You don’t want Omega 6 fats. Even saturated fat is safer than Omega 6’s.
Choose healthy fats such as those present in olive oil, nut butters, nuts and seeds, flax, oily fish, and avocados. Avoid processed fats found in pastries, chips, candy bars, snacks, junk food, fried foods and prepared foods. Eating the wrong fat can literally alter your brain’s communication pathways.
Green it: look for organic, local, or farmers’ market options when it comes to your food. You should also explore herbal remedies for mood swings and brain health. 

15. Tuna
In addition to being another rich source of Omega-3’s, tuna, particularly yellowfin, has the highest level of vitamin B6 of any food. Studies have shown that B6 is directly linked to memory, cognition and long term brain health. Generally, the B vitamins are among the most important for balancing your mood. B6 in particular influences dopamine receptors (dopamine is one of your “feel good” hormones along with serotonin).
My personal cocktail: SAMe (nature’s happiness molecule) and a mega-dose of B-complex keeps me humming even when I’ve got a mountain of work to do. Which, like you, is all the time.
Green it: only eat tuna from sustainable fisheries, and if you’re looking for a B6 source that is vegetarian, opt for a banana, which contains a third of your day’s requirement (tuna offers nearly 60%).
16. Garlic
Garlic – the fresher the better – is one of the most potent nutritional weapons in your arsenal. Eat it as much as your significant other can stand. Not only is it fabulous for reducing bad cholesterol and strengthening your cardiovascular system, it exerts a protective antioxidant effect on the brain.
Avoid: I know it makes life easier, but don’t even think about buying the chopped or peeled garlic. Nutritional benefits = zero.
Green it: just choose organic, and go for local if you can get it.
17. Eggs
Eggs contain protein and fat to provide energy to your brain for hours, and the selenium in organic eggs is proven to help your mood. You really needn’t worry about the overblown cholesterol fears. (I have quite a bit to say on this topic but I’ll restrain myself for once.)
Green it: choose organic, free range, vegetarian fed eggs.
18. Green Leafy Vegetables
Spinach, kale, chard, romaine, arugula, lolla rossa – whatever green you like, eat it daily. Green, leafy vegetables are high in iron (slightly less “green” iron sources include beef, pork and lamb). Americans tend to be deficient in iron, which is too bad, because the deficiency is linked to restless leg syndrome, fatigue, poor mood, foggy thinking, and other cognition issues.
Green it: choose organic, and shop at your farmers’ market or order from a local CSA. Leave out the red meat a few days a week and rely on a big, well-seasoned green stir fry or salad.
19. Tomatoes
Go figure, but tomatoes don’t usually make the brain-boosting food lists. (Thank goodness I found the one that did so I’m not the only one.) Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that is particularly good for your brain – it even helps prevent dementia. You have to cook tomatoes to get the lycopene – take that, raw foodies! Just kidding. But this does mean that ketchup is good for your brain. Although because of the sugar in it, you should look to other sources for most of your lycopene intake, such as fresh tomato sauce.
Green it: try to eat tomatoes that are local and get your lycopene in vitamin form when tomatoes aren’t in season. You’ll know when that is – the tomatoes will be pale, tasteless, and pithy.
20. Cacao nibs
That’s right, I’m putting chocolate on this list twice. My boyfriend knows I need it. I eat chocolate or cacao nibs daily and I think you might want to consider it, too. Cacao nibs are among the top five most powerful brain foods, right next to wild salmon and blueberries. My girlfriends and I like to mix cacao nibs with frozen blueberries and a generous splash of organic heavy cream while we watch really bad television on Sunday nights.
Green it: as long as it’s fair trade and organic, it’s green.
Things that drain your brain:
Alcohol kills your brain cells outright! Alcohol also interferes with dopamine production. Moderate amounts of alcohol, particularly resveratrol-rich red wine, can help improve your health, but anything beyond a glass or two of wine daily is a recipe for reduced brain function and energy loss.
Corn Syrup and Sugar lead to health problems like diabetes and obesity, and they’re terrible for your brain. Don’t eat sugar except on special occasions or as an infrequent treat. If you can’t cut back that much, try to limit yourself to just two bites of whatever tempts you daily.
Nicotine constricts blood flow to the brain, so while it may “soothe” jittery nerves, smoking will actally reduce your brain function severely – and the effects are cumulative.

A high carbohydrate lunch
 will make you sleepy and sluggish. Opt for a light meal with some quality protein, such as a salad with grilled chicken breast or vegetables and hummus or wild American shrimp and avocado.
– with additional reporting by Sarah Irani

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Food Cravings? Here's what they really mean...

Chocolate: magnesium

Chocolate is the most commonly-reported craving in the Western world, so it shouldn’t surprise us that it is linked to a nutrient in which a huge number of us are unknowingly deficient: magnesium.
According to recent statistics, up to 80 percent of Americans are lacking in this essential macromineral, which is needed for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including reactions that relate to relaxation.
In fact, magnesium is nicknamed the “relaxation mineral,” since anxiety, irritability, insomnia and high blood pressure are its main deficiency symptoms. This is the reason why magnesium-deficient people temporarily feel better after eating a chocolate bar: the small amounts of magnesium in it (derived from its cacao content) relaxes them.
But, of course, there are far healthier sources of magnesium than processed chocolate. Dark leafy greens, seeds and nuts, fish, beans and blackstrap molasses are all excellent sources of magnesium and will help end chocolate cravings.

Sugary foods: chromium, carbon, phosphorus, sulfur and/or tryptophan

The second most commonly reported craving in the West is high-sugar foods.
This is the most complex craving to pin down, since deficiencies in no less than five nutrients could be causing it:
  • chromium (helps to regulate blood sugar levels)
  • carbon (one of the elements from which sugar is made)
  • phosphorus (helps the body produce energy)
  • sulfur (helps remove toxins)
  • tryptophan (a serotonin regulator)
Therefore, the best way to end incessant sugar cravings is to simply improve your diet, which will help remineralize your body in all areas.

Refined carbohydrates: nitrogen

A craving for refined carbs like pasta and bread signals a deficiency in nitrogen.
Nitrogen compounds are an essential component of nucleic acids and protein, and deficiencies in them can result in malnutrition due to a related protein deficiency. Therefore, if you find that you’re craving a lot of refined carbohydrates, add more nitrogen-rich foodsto your diet.
Most foods contain nitrogen in organic or non-organic form, but fruits and vegetables are especially rich in it.

The following cravings are less common than those detailed above, but are still regularly reported in today’s society:
Oily and fatty foods: You are deficient in calcium. Good sources of calcium include raw milk, cheese, turnip greens and broccoli.
Ice: You are deficient in iron. Eat more iron-rich foods like leafy greens, meat, blackstrap molasses and sea vegetables.
Salty foods: You are deficient in chloride and/or silicon. Try adding more fish, nuts and seeds to your diet.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

5 Ways to Stop Bloating Naturally


Feeling bloated never feels good. The discomfort, stomach irritability and gas that often comes with it.  When your stomach is bloated it has it’s causes, which can be prevented or treated naturally.  Bloating is simply your body reacting to a food or drink you ingested in an inflammatory way. Bloating is simply your gut under a state of inflammation.
When you’re bloated, your stomach will expand, feel tight, there may be abdominal pain, gas, burping or other related discomforts.
Recognizing what caused your tummy to feel bloated is important. That food or drink is the cause, and by recognizing what your gut does not align with you can prevent the pain and discomfort in the future. We have a very intimate relationship with the food that we eat. We feel energy or drowsy. We feel peaceful and tranquil or our tummy goes into overdrive and we get bloated.
Being more in tune with what you’re eating and drinking and how that makes you feel mentally, emotionally and physically is a very important and valuable skill. Pay attention when you eat and drink. The more mindful you are the better you can custom tailor your diet and food choices to feel better and not have to deal with bloating. This is something that i’ve learned to benefit from over the years.
Knowing what sits well with you and what doesn’t makes your life, health and happiness a bit easier. You can make more educated and informed choices.

With that being said, what causes your stomach bloating in the first place?

It all comes down to the food or drink that you’re consuming. Bloating is an inflammatory response in your gut. Have you ever been bloated without eating food or drinking anything at all? Probably not, and if you were it was because the food or drink that you consumed prior was influencing your stomach.
Bloating occurs because of foods or drinks that your gut are sensitive too are consumed. The gut (immunity) reacts by creating inflammation to come to the rescue and observe the issue. Inflammation is a precursor to the immune system dropping by for a visit.
It can also occur because of a slow digestive system, abnormal levels of gut bacteria, digestive enzymes or other factors that play a role in healthy transit time through the gut.

The Most Important Step?

Eat foods that your gut doesn’t react too. Drinks too. If you become aware of what is causing you to feel bloated then simply avoid those foods and drinks. It’s a fairly simple rule.
Beyond making better decisions and prevention there are things that you can do right now if you’re bloated.

5 Ways To Stop Bloating Naturally

  1. Get Probiotics in Your Gut: Probiotic foods and drinks are rich in healthy bacteria for the gut that help to bring a much needed bacterial homeostasis to a disrupted gut. Foods like saurkraut and kimchi are the easiest probiotic rich foods to find. Drinks like kombucha and water kefir are rich in probiotics also. In a study with 122 IBS patients, a daily dose of bifidobacterium bifidum significantly improved bloating and pain symptoms compared to placebo. Food is the best source of probiotics but you can get a supplement to help as well.
  2. Get Digestive Enzymes in Your Gut: Digestive enzymes are what break down food and specifically carbohydrates in your gut. If you do not have enough digestive enzymes handy then the carbohydrates ferment, leading to gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort. You can get a good amount of digestive enzymes in foods such as pineapple, kiwi, papaya, bananas, mangoes and once again saurkraut. Saurkraut is rich in probiotics and digestive enzymes, I always have some on hand in my fridge and eat it a few times a week for gut health for this very reason. If you don’t have these foods on hand this is the best digestive enzyme supplement that i’ve found, click here to read about it.
  3. Eat Smarter: There are many ways that you can eat smarter overall but when it comes to bloating in the gut there are a few simple changes that you can make to reduce bloating. First, do not drink any beverage (water, juice, soda, tea, coffee) near food. Drinking and eating within the same time frame can wreak havoc on your gut and will more than likely contribute to bloating, gas and abdominal discomfort. Keep your eating and drinking separate. Secondly, eat less processed foods, less carbs, less dairy, less meat and less sugar. The majority of the reason you are bloated is because you are eating a food in one of those categories, I can almost guarantee it. If you replace those foods with fresh, organic, whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and sprouts you are on your way to a less disturbed tummy.
  4. Utilize Peppermint: Peppermint essential oil is one of the best things to have on hand for bloating, indigestion, gas and abdominal discomfort. Peppermint eases and relaxes stomach muscles while increasing the flow of bile which aids in digestion and the transit time of the intestinal system. This simply calms your stomach down and allows for things to flow smoother and easier. In a 4 week study patients who added peppermint oil improved by 53.5% whereas the control in the group improved 28.1% from the use of fiber. What does this mean? Use peppermint essential oil and fiber both to see an even greater improvement. Chia seeds are a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber. Simply soak them in water and mix in a glass for about 5 minutes until they gel up and drink the liquid. I recommend peppermint essential oil from doterra which can be bought by clicking here. They are certified pure therapeutic grade and I wouldn’t ingest any essential oil from any company. Doterra i’ve used for years and have ingested their peppermint oil safely many times before without any unwanted side effects. They are pure in quality.
  5.  Turmeric Helps: Turmeric is widely used in Ayurvedic (Indian) and Chinese medicine. Turmeric helps the liver to produce bile which is essential in the digestion of fats. It helps the body reduce gas and bloating by being one of the best anti-inflammatory spices known to man. Curcumin, the active medicinal compound in turmeric is responsible for these benefits. You can get turmeric as a spice and add it to foods or mix it in water and drink approximately 20 minutes before a meal to help with bloating, gas and indigestion. There is an organic CO2 liquid turmeric extract that I really like (which you can find here) that I use and recommend. If you decide to use that turmeric write me a message on facebook by clicking here and i’ll send a 10% discount code your way for your purchase of that turmeric supplement.
Beyond these 5 ways to reduce bloating and digestive discomfort one recommendation I have that has always helped me and seems to help others as well is to simply go for a walk. Walking helps to move the blood, lymphatic system and speed up the absorption and digestive process. If you have bloating with gas it definitely helps to expel the gas quicker so that you can go on with your life without those uncomfortable stomach pains. Walking has been shown to reduce gas and bloating in one study already. It makes sense and it works. Another thing you can do that has helped many is to simply lay down on your back and massage your abdominal region while laying on your left side. This is a great way to relieve gas and bloating discomfort.
Hopefully these tips and ideas give you more time to enjoy a peaceful stomach with less pain and discomfort. You can get rid of bloating with the right techniques. These are good health guidelines that have other benefits in your life also. Please share these tips with a friend or family member who you know may benefit from this information!
Source: http://www.dietvsdisease.org/how-to-get-rid-of-bloating/%20Image: http://www.culturamix.com/beleza/cicatriz-de-abdominoplastia/

Monday, March 21, 2016

20 Delicious High-Protein Foods

Man Sticking Knife Through MeatPeople argue about carbs, fats, and everything in between.
However, almost everyone agrees that protein is important.
Eating plenty of protein has numerous benefits.
It can help you lose weight (especially belly fat), and increase your muscle mass and strength, to name a few (1, 2).
The recommended daily intake (RDI) is 46 grams for women, and 56 grams for men (3).
However, many health and fitness experts believe that we need much more than that.
Here is a list of 20 delicious foods that are high in protein.

1. Eggs

Eggs in a Basket
Whole eggs are among the healthiest and most nutritious foods on the planet.
They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, eye-protecting antioxidants and brain nutrients that most people don’t get enough of.
Whole eggs are high in protein, but egg whites are almost pure protein.
Protein content: 35% of calories in a whole egg. 1 large egg contains 6 grams of protein, with 78 calories (4).

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Health Benefits of Mulberries


mulberry-pile
Blueberries…strawberries…raspberries…mulberries? Yes! Mulberries. I know they may not be on your grocery list, but if the nutritional value of mulberries doesn’t change that, I don’t know what will!
Mulberry trees grow all over the United States and kind of look like a mix between a blackberry and raspberry… but they’re not! Mulberries are natural, healthy, and deliciously unique!
Do you want to add another healthy berry to your diet?
Let’s find out why your answer should be YES!

Little Berry Wonder: Benefits of Mulberries

1. Provides fiber

You may think of foods with high fiber as boring and dull, but 1/3 cup of mulberries actually contains 20% of your recommended daily fiber intake.
We all know the biggest benefit of fiber…staying regular and avoiding constipation, but fiber can also lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. Fiber is also essential in maintaining a healthy weight!

2. Aids in cancer prevention

Mulberries contain high levels of resveratrol, which can hinder the growth and spreading of carcinogens and cancer stem cells in your body.
Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean mulberries can cure cancer, it just means that they have properties that help inhibit cancer growth and (don’t forget) aid in prevention!

3. Source of protein

These little berries are one of the only fruits that contain high levels of protein! Protein is essential when it comes to having a healthy, functioning body because protein helps create enzymes and antibodies.
Without enzymes you could not break down the nutrients that your food provides and without antibodies you would not have a strong immune system!
mulberries-health-benefits

4. Reduces inflammation

Mulberries have the ability to reduce uric acid production in your body, which is one of the contributing factors of inflammation and joint pain.
Do you suffer from muscle pain, gout or arthritis? Mulberries could be an important addition to your diet! What if this little berry was the difference between having a pain filled day and a great day?

5. Helps with Alzheimer’s disease

Mulberries contain properties that can protect the brain from diseases like Alzheimer’s, if eaten regularly.
On that note, mulberries can also improve memory function in all people! There is a property called choline in mulberries, which is like power for your brain! Eating these berries can enhance your memory… so next time it’s your aunt’s birthday you might remember to give her a call!
Each berry has their own claim to fame, but it’s pretty clear the mulberries have been hugely neglected! I can’t believe mulberries aren’t as popular as other berries yet. They’re tart, sweet, succulent berries that not only add a rich flavor to meals but also make for a great rich coloring when you’re baking!
An extra tip for you is; eating mulberries can help prevent you from getting sick or feeling uncomfortable aches and pains, so having them in your diet before you feel sick or in pain is so important! Why would you waste time trying to heal yourself when you could possibly avoid getting sick or unhealthy altogether?
Next time you’re getting groceries keep this list in mind! Who knows, maybe mulberries will be your new favorite snack!

Sources:

healthy-holistic-living.com
life-enhancement.com
globalhealingcenter.com

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Five things that happen when you stop eating sugar

food_dough_nuts_sugar_735_350

First, let’s set the record straight by saying that sugar in and of itself isn’t evil, per se. It occurs naturally in plenty of foods, including fruits and milk. With that being said, adding excess sugar to your dietary intake simply isn’t necessary. In fact, you’ll notice numerous positive things happen when you decide to quit sugar for life.
Although people living in the Western world have been trained to desire sugary treats, as well as foods that include copious amounts of sugar for flavoring, we certainly don’t need it. If you stop eating anything but naturally occurring sugars, you’ll notice that 5 very distinctive things will happen.

1. Your Energy Will Improve