Keep your memory in tip-top shape with a carrot from the garden. Researchers believe eating broccoli may help heal brain injuries. 24 seasons back to school 2011
food for thought The human brain is a marvelous machine. For seven decades and more, it computes, analyzes, records, stores, senses and controls all body functions. It even knows when to go into sleep mode. Yet, it's only fueled by the brain foods we eat— such as blueberries, avocados and an occasional piece of chocolate. TEXT ELAINE M. COOPER, R.N. PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM ALBRIGHT When it comes to smart eating that will keep your brain functioning at an optimal level, you need more than dull-looking foods. In fact, your gray matter craves color, and lots of it. Think blues, reds, oranges, dark green—a whole palette of nutrition both enticing to the eyes and nourishing to your neurons. Berries, dark vegetables and avocados are the best example. The brighter the color, the better, says Beth Freehill, registered dietitian at the <strong>Hy</strong>-<strong>Vee</strong> in Clinton, Iowa. “Focus more on a variety of colors,” Beth says. “The bigger the variety you can have, the better you’re going to be as far as getting your nutrition in.” Colorful fruits and veggies are called brain foods because they contain antioxidants, which are substances that target the health of your gray matter, research has shown. Antioxidants work in the brain to decrease inflammation, resist destruction of cells and enhance transmission of nerve impulses. The result? There is better memory and sharper thinking for all ages and decreased risk for dementia as people age. The best part is that most of these foods are delicious. Take the long list of berries, including blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and cranberries. All possess anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidant qualities that allow cells to repair themselves. Berries are a sweet way to keep your brain working in all the marvelous ways that it should. A recent study shows that eating a daily diet rich in fruits and vegetables feeds your brain the antioxidants needed to keep it sharp. Adults who consume .9 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables every day have higher antioxidant levels, which helps maintain brain health. The positive results were not seen in another test group that consumed less than .2 pounds of fruit and veggies per day. There is also the necessity of energy to power the brain. At about three pounds, the brain makes up only 2 to 3 percent of a person's weight. Yet even at rest, the brain consumes 17 percent of the body's energy. If you consume about 2,000 calories per day, about 400 of those calories are going to keep your brain operating and in good condition. While many brain foods are colorful, a few foods on the seasons hy-vee.com 25