FOOD FOR THE BRAIN SERIES - PART 2

KEY NUTRIENTS

These nutrients are vital in building brain power and maintaining good physical and mental health.

Water

It makes up 83% of blood. It's role as transport system deliver nutrients to our brain and carry away waste products. We need a good supply of clean water for concentration and alertness

Proteins

They provide the structural building materials for most of our bodies' tissues, nerves and internal organs (including our heart and brain). They are also used to manufacture neurotransmitters as well as to build and maintain the nerve network. Proteins are essential for improving mental functions and lifting spirits.

Carbohydrates

Most people when they are on an extreme regime to lose weight often neglected and cut off carbohydrates in their diet. Carbohydrates are extremely important. They are found in grains, fruits and vegetables and being break down into a sugar called glucose through digestion. If the level of glucose fluctuate too much it may cause mental confusion, dizziness, convulsions and loss of consciousness.

Fats

Three types of fat are found in food - saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. "Essential fatty acids" is the term that refers to 2 specific polyunsaturated fats; 1) omega-6; and 2) omega-3. These special fats can increase brain size and brain cell numbers, improve vision and aid learning. They are found in salmon, mackerel, sardines, nuts and seeds.

Vitamins and minerals

These two are components of food that is vital for the growth and function of the brain and body. A diverse diet helps provide all these key nutrients. Below are the vitamins and minerals' functions to the brain:

B complex (essentially important to the brain) - producing energy

Vitamins A, C, E (powerful antioxidants) - promoting and preserving memory in the elderly

Minerals - preserving the vigour of the brain

Magnesium & manganese - brain energy

Sodium, potassium & calcium - important in nerve cell communication, facilitating the transmission of messages.

FOOD FOR THE BRAIN SERIES - PART 1

AN INTRODUCTION

I bought a book by Lorraine Perretta on my last week visit to my favourite bookshop. "Brain Food", the title attracted my attention, after flipping through some pages of the book, the content plus some recipes included in the book, I bought the book to learn more and absorb the juicy information provided in the book.

Let me share what's written in the book, part by part with you.

As we know, our brain is the most important part of our body. And of course, it is the body's most complex organ. Our brain, not only is it the organ of thought, speech and emotion, it is so important for us to really look after the well being of our brain since it is controlling everything that make our body functions.

"Healthy Mind comes from a Healthy Body". This tag is mostly uttered by us, BUT, do we really look after our mind?..in specific term..do we really look after our BRAIN. In what way, should we look after our brain? Is it really been feed up and nurtured with good things?..Physically, what kind of food is good for the brain?

Our brain has an extensive blood supply. Costant flow of blood carrying important neuro-nutrients, such as ammino acids, vitamins and minerals, together with oxygens and glucose provide energy for the brain. Any interruption in the blood flow can impair brain function. Good circulation and strong, healthy blood vessels are extremely important for keeping the brain well fed. The essential nutrients and some mood elevating substances enter our brain through the kind of food that we take, yet, at the same time other chemicals with less beneficial effects like alcohol and nicotine are also being absorbed each time we consume them. Thus, it is on our own choice to decide, on the kind of food we want to take to have a healthy brain.

The sunnah of taking dates for your iftar

Anas b. Mâik narrates that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) used to break his fast with fresh dates before going to prayer. When fresh dates were unavailable, he would break his fast with dried dates. When dried dates were unavailable, he would take a few sips of water. [Sunan Abî Dâwûd (2356)]

What is the nutritional value of dates?

Dates are known for being low in saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium and high in vitamins and important minerals.

They are also popular for being high in dietary fiber. A one and a half cup of dates contains almost 7 grams of dietary fibers in it.

They also contain important vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 and pantothenic acid. All these vitamins are necessary to boost up the various body processes.

The list of minerals, that are found in dates is quite big which includes, manganese, magnesium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, selenium, etc. Each of these minerals benefits the body in its own different way. Moreover, dates are also rich in 20 different kinds of amino acids.

They are good sources of natural sugars and antioxidants. All the nutrients present in dates are helpful to human body and thus, we can say that the nutritional value of dates is very high. Dates can be consumed in different forms, and all

Due to so many nutrients found in dates, dates health benefits are innumerable. They are some of the richest sources of dietary fibers. Fiber intake helps in intoxication, maintaining low cholesterol level and blood sugar and avoiding digestive system problem. Since, they are natural laxatives, they make some of the best natural remedies for constipation.

Dates are also helpful in reducing gastric problems like acidity. The combination of dates and milk is one of the most nutritious drink for both adults and children. Dates make excellent sources for gaining instant energy, due to their high carbohydrate content.

Dates are known for their high mineral content. Potassium is a vital mineral needed by the body to regulate the blood pressure and it also helps to eliminate sodium content from the body. Thus, dates are useful for people having high blood pressure. Calcium and magnesium are necessary for maintaining healthy bones, while iron plays an important role in production of red blood cells.

Being rich in antioxidants, dates are immune system booster foods. All the vitamins found in dates are useful for maintaining overall health of the body. And lastly, dates have very low sodium, fat and cholesterol content which makes them safe for consumption.

adapted from www.buzzle.com