Good Food for Good Brain Development
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There are plenty of zombie movies out there and many seem to be coming up. But one lesson you can take from all these movies is that a bad diet will lead to you being as brain dead as a Zombie.
Our brains need nutrients and a healthy diet in order for it to function at optimum levels. High-powered brain foods contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, lean protein and unsaturated fats, and these needs can be satisfied with a diet rich with fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, fish and good quality meats.
Processed foods rich with unsaturated fats on the other hand have been recently found to lead to long-term mental problems, besides the physical issues of obesity and heart disease. These effects stem from a far too regular diet of potato chips, fast food, and sweets.
So the next time you catch a Zombie movie with your kids, how about ditching the soda for a bottle of water and popcorn for some mixed nuts to keep your brain alive and kicking! -
Even with a well-balanced diet, research in the recent decade has shown that exercise is as important to maintaining mental health. One research found that exercise during childhood encourages cognitive development, specifically improving their memory, attention and decision-making skills, more than children who are less physically active.
In adults, exercise benefits many executive functions of the brain like multi-tasking, planning and self-control, not to mention the physical effects that comes with challenging your body with physical training. (Plus side, it definitely helps you once the Zombie Apocolypse arrives)
A secondary but equally awesome perk for your brain when it comes to exercising is it keeps us happy. When we exercise, the brain releases neurotransmitters like endorphins, serotonin and anandamide, which are known to elevate moods and feelings, and/or alleviate depression and pain. Long distance runners are familiar with this feeling they call “runner’s high”.
So go get a workout and keep that brain happy, alive & kicking!