Best brain food
(lifestyle.aol)
Updated: 2006-09-20 16:52
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6. Whole grains and brown rice
One of the best things you can do to improve your intake of nutrients is to switch to brown rice. It's filled with vitamins and magnesium, which seem to be important to cognitive health. Whole grains contain vitamin B6, which aids in reducing homocysteine levels. In this country, many people often don't get enough vitamin B6, because they mostly eat processed foods.
7. Hot cocoa
Warm up with hot cocoa to help your brain as well as your frostbitten fingers. Chang Young Lee, professor of food chemistry at Cornell University, found that the antioxidant content of two tablespoons of pure cocoa powder is "almost two times stronger than red wine, two to three times stronger than green tea and four to five times stronger than that of black tea". The antioxidants in hot cocoa protect brain cells from oxidative stress that can lead to Alzheimer's and other disorders.
8. Nuts, notably almonds and walnuts
Adding to their party-mix appeal, nuts are rich in antioxidants and have been found to lower blood cholesterol levels due to their monounsaturated fat content. A Harvard study showed that women who ate more than 150 grams of nuts per week had a significantly lower risk of heart disease than those who ate 30 grams or less. And they don't contribute to weight gain as much as other kinds of fatty foods. Walnuts are rich in omega-3s.
9. Olive oil
A staple of the heart-healthy Mediterranean plan, olive oil contains the potent antioxidants called polyphenols. Olive oil has been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The extra-virgin variety is best.