Boost your brain power with these 3 superfoods
Tuesday, November 11, 2014 by: Derek Henry
(NaturalNews) One of the first things people notice when feeling tired or sleep deprived is a lack of mental clarity. Focus becomes hampered, brain fog sets in, and it's a fight to get anything done that requires any cognitive capacity.
Although this is likely a result of many different factors, there are some foods you can consider to get you through the short term that may help boost your brainpower, without sacrificing your energy long term (like coffee). Combining these 3 superfoods together could do just that.
Maca
Maca has been cultivated and grown high in the Andes for thousands of years. This hard crop grows where no other cultivated crop can survive, flourishing at altitudes of 9,000 to 14,000 feet in extreme climate of cold winds and strong sunlight.
Maca's ability to increase one's mental capacity is due to the fact that it works directly on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. It also has the healing power to rejuvenate the adrenal glands, which helps us cope with stressful situations.
Cacao
Cacao is considered a highly beneficial medicine containing over 300 beneficial chemical compounds. Unfortunately, many of the products produced from raw cacao are destroyed through processing, cooking, refining, and otherwise denaturing the original source. A good example of this is the common chocolate bars that have very low levels of cacao compared to other ingredients such as sugars, dairy, hydrogenated oils, soy, and artificial flavorings.
Cacao has been shown to increase levels of specific neurotransmitters in our brains that help promote a positive outlook, facilitates rejuvenation, and lifts our spirits. Some of the beneficial chemicals in cacao that help with this include:
- Endorphins: Cacao stimulates the secretion of endorphins to produce a pleasurable feeling.
- Serotonin: Cacao raises the levels of serotonin and acts as an anti-depressant, which helps promote a sense of well being.
- Anandamide: Also known as the 'bliss chemical' as the brain releases ananamide when we feel happy. Cacao contains N-acylethanolamines that increase levels of anandamide in the brain and enzyme inhibitors that slow its breakdown. This helps promote longer periods of relaxation.
- Phenylethylamine (PEA): A natural chemical compound created and released by the brain when we are in love. PEA acts as a mood elevator and anti-depressant, and helps increase focus and alertness.
The benefits of cacao are most potent in its raw form. Typical chocolate bars should not be considered therapeutic. Look for high levels of cacao and minimal processing and avoid ingredients such as sugar, dairy, and soy to reep the mind enhancing benefits.
Reishi
Known in Eastern medicine as the "mushroom of immortality" and "King of Herbs", Reishi is a medicinal mushroom that grows in various regions of the world where damp and temperate conditions exist.
Reishi's ability to positively affect the mind comes from its ability to maintain equilibrium and help the body maintain balance. A balanced body is a sign of a healthy and properly functioning immune system, which will result in a healthy and positive outlook. Not only that, this healing herb's adaptogenic qualities provide us with an incredible ability to handle stressful situations which eases our anxiety and increases mental clarity.
Reishi is also very antibacterial and antifungal, which helps clean up the digestive system and strengthens the vagus nerve connection from the gut to the brain, to increase mental clarity and capacity.
To enjoy all three of these brain-enhancing foods in one shot, try the Cocoa Kickstart. Also check out Increase your IQ with the Right Foods, Herbs, Vitamins.
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About the author:
Derek Henry, B.Kin, is a highly revered holistic health coach and world renowned natural health blogger and educator who created Healing the Body to help people understand the fundamental principles to exceptional health so they can overcome their own health challenges.
In this pursuit he created proven protocols and guides in the Ultimate Reset personal coaching program, the THRIVE online holistic health program, and his very popular Wellness Transformation E-Guide.
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