Brain Food: Think Healthy

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Brain Food: Think Healthy (NAPSA)—It’s ie cone cern—-age and memory problems Agrowing number of studies how- Bb Banana, fish, chicken, potatoes, turkey, manga, heel, cereal B12 Meats, fish, egg, dairy products, Folic Acid Legumes, cereals, whole grains, dark green vegeiables, orange juice, ever, Suggest you might be able to forget your worvies. Research suggests a link between nutrients and enhanced mental activity— a beost you may be able to bank and use later in life. The Rey Players B vitamins— Food sources Broin Nutrients some cereals papays Citrusfoods, kiwi, strawberries, Vitamin € Teanga, lomeatoes, peppers E Vegetable ails, nuts, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, some cereals Bela-coroiene Orange and red fruits and vegetables; Bark green vegetables brain. ‘ron Beef, cereals, raisins, legumes : " . ering the amine Tine Beef,nuts, yogurt, legumes, shrimp Vitamins B, B12 and folic acid may help the stay sharp by low- - acid homocysteine. Increased blood levels of homocysteine have ciated with the risk of . Similarly, high levels of homocysteine may affect the arteries to the brain as well, thereby reducing blood flow. According to some scientists, hours—starting first thing in the morning. The primary source of energy for the brain is glucose. Glucose primarily comes from carbohy- drates with some of the best sources being whole-grain foods such as whole-wheat breads, Antioxidanis—Vitamins C, EB whole-grain cereals and pasta. Uniike sugary foods, which cause ghicose levels to rise quickly and caused by free radicals. Studies and thus send a steady stream of homocysteine may af ct nearo- transmitters in the brain. and betacarotene are thought to protect cells from the damage that have looked at people’s memory and thinking skills have found that those who consume the most antioxidant-rich foods (fruits, vegetables and whole grains) tend to experience less cagnitive decline The Right Kind Of Fat— Some studi uggest that mono- unsaturated fat (like that found in olive and canola oif) and omega-3 fat ids (found in fish) have a protective effect on brain cells. The ct benefit nelear, but the link seems significant enough to encourage people to choose fats wisely. Tron and zine—Too little of these minerals in the diet is associated with poor concentration and reduced meraory. A diet that includes foods rich in iron and zinc may help keep the brain sharp. Feeding Your Brain--The brain constantly needs fuet (a.k.a. energy). The best way to fuel the brain day in and day out ts to eat often—at least every three to four then fall nearly as fast, whole- grain foods take longer to di fuel to the brain. Add a little protein to the mix, such as a glass of milk, a stice of cheese or Jean meat, and energy can last three to four hours. There are several nutrients that affect the brain. Carbohydrates offer it energy. Protein, vit- amin, minerals and even certain fats help keep the cells healthy. A well-balanced diet rich in vegetables and whole gr. 1. give your brain the nutrition it needs to last a lifetime. A Great Start Toward Total Nutvition—fold off on herbs. Some, such as ginkgo biloba, are advertised for their brain-enhancing er, but the jury is still out on their effectiveness. A few studies show they may be benefic j for people who have already 1 some mental function. No studi conclude that they help healthy brains. Brought to you by Total cereals, breakfast cereals with 100% of the daily value of at least 11 vitamins and minerals.