Almonds for brain
Almonds for brain
There’s no denying that as we age chronologically, our body ages right along with us. But research is
showing that you can increase your chances of maintaining a healthy brain well into your old age if you
add these "smart" foods to your daily eating regimen.Adding Almonds to your diet may help reverse some
forms of age-related brain deterioration, according to a study published in the August 2012 issue of the
"Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.Almonds contain a host of healthy nutrients that not only benefits
overall health but is also known to boost specific brain functions.Almonds also contain the mineral zinc
that is known to keep up the functioning of your immune system. Zinc is also an antioxidant that fights
the free radicals in your bloodstream. These free radicals are responsible for attacking and breaking
down brain cells.
Like fatty fish, almonds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, but they are also rich in antioxidants,
including vitamin E. A Chicago Health and Aging Project study found that getting antioxidants through
food was more beneficial than through supplements (consider vitamins as a second line of defense). Raw
almonds provide the most benefits, but roasted ones (get unsalted) still offer a healthy dose of
omega-3s.1 ounce, or about 17-20 almonds, every other day or 1-2 tablespoon of almond butter every
other day. Keep an eye on calories.Almonds are moderate sources of lean protein — a 1 oz. serving
of blanched almonds provides about 6.07 g of this nutrient, according to the USDA National Nutrient
Database. For a 150 lb. person, this amounts to about 11 percent of the recommended daily intake.
Protein is essential for energy function, and also helps your body repair brain cells.
Almonds also caused a decrease in levels of an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter
that increases attention and awareness.The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in almonds help increase
intellectual levels and the magnesium in them help strengthen the nerves in the brain.In India, the
importance of almonds in brain development is clearly mentioned in Ayurveda. One of the books on medical
secrets of foods has mentioned that over 10,000 Jain monks living in the state of Karnataka, India
credited almonds for their high intellectual level as well as longevity.Almonds contain bioactive
polyphenols which serve as antioxidants. They help in protecting the brain cells against damage caused
by free radical attack.So adding the almonds in daily diet keeps the brain fit and healthy.