food for the brain

"One cannot think well, love well or sleep well if one has not dined well."
- Virginia Woolfe

I'm so swamped with work this week. I have to write eight 500 word articles to be passed this Friday on just about everything - from divorce lawyers to hair extensions to medical secretary training - and that's about half of what I have to do for this week. That might be normal to a lot of people out there, especially experienced writers, but me? shesh! It's a brain-wrenching nose-bleeding task for me. But I gotta do what I gotta do, it's part of work.

Oh well at least this gives me an excuse to stock up on chocolates - its food for the brain you know. :) If you're in the same situation that I am right now.. stock up on these foodies to keep your brains up and running healthy...

Fish: The original “brain food” contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids and fish oils, especially cold water fish like salmon and cod. Omega-3s are beneficial in a number of ways, including promoting neuronal growth, improved cholesterol, and fortification of myelin sheaths which facilitate communication between neurons.

Vegetables: This is a great source of antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment by diminishing oxidative stress. Spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower are among the top candidates.

Fruits: Like vegetables, fruits are rich in antioxidants. However, fruit tastes better. Some of your healthiest options are blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, avocados, oranges, red grapes, red bell peppers, cherries and kiwis.

Water: Be sure to get enough to keep your body and brain hydrated. Dehydration can cause a headache now, and can lead to long-term neuronal damage sustained from elevated stress hormones.

Chocolate: Last (my favorite) is cocoa beans, which contain the flavanol epicatechin and antioxidants. Dark chocolate is best (that's why I bought two bars yesterday), and avoid candy bars with lots of added sugars. Also, recent research suggests that chocolate can improve memory. (yay for all the chocolate lovers out there!)