In the movie ‘Limitless’ an uninspired writer is introduced to a mind enhancing drug that enables him to utilise the full potential of his mind. Do we only use 10% of our brain? This widely circulated myth has been scientifically disputed but none the less optimising our mental alertness and functioning is an attractive proposition that makes use of our individual potential.
So, this month our focus is on brain boosting nutrition and skill-based activities that help optimise your mental prowess.
The main character in ‘Limitless’ played by Bradley Cooper uses an experimental drug to unleash his inner potential but there are natural alternatives which can produce similar effects…
Brain Boosting Nutrition
The following list of nutrients from natural sources have all been found to improve the brain’s ability to operate – enhancing cognition and elevating alertness.
Coffee with Sugar: It is well known that caffeine is a stimulant which works on the brain and can combat drowsiness and fatigue. Previous studies have even suggested three cups of a coffee a day can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, possibly by triggering a chain reaction in the brain that prevents the damage done by the disease. It’s also well known that glucose, a type of sugar, is the main fuel which brain cells need to function properly. But research indicates the two complement each other when it comes to bolstering the brain’s performance.
Salmon: Along with other oily fish salmon are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These acids contain DHA, which helps the brain transmit signals. Memory loss can result if there are low levels of DHA, even things like lack of concentration, mood disturbances, depression, schizophrenia and autism. Salmon is also high in the essential vitamins A, E, D and C and important minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium and selenium. When buying fish, opt for wild caught salmon, opposed to farmed. Wild Salmon have higher levels of omega-3′s and aren’t fattened on an unhealthy diet of grain-feed.
Oysters: Not just an aphrodisiac, oysters are rich in zinc and iron, which have both been linked to better mental performance.
Blueberries and Spinach: Early findings suggest that eating plenty of high-ORAC list fruits and vegetables, such as spinach and blueberries, may help slow the processes associated with aging in both your body and brain.
Eggs: Contain selenium which acts as a powerful antioxidant but is also believed to boost brain health and strengthen the immune system. Choline is another impotant nutrient found in egg yolks, and it plays a vital role in helping healthy cell membranes along with its ability to help mental function and memory.
Tumeric: This spice is a powerful antioxidant, shown to help stimulate the immune system. There are many health benefits associated with a healthier immune system such as dealing with allergies, inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes and heart disease.
Kale: A vegetable powerhouse containing Carotenoids and flavonoids which help to slow mental decline associated with aging and help reduce your risk for cataracts.
Nuts: Portable protein, nuts also contain lots of brain-healthy vitamin E, believed to help prevent memory loss due to ageing. Walnuts are a great choice because, like salmon, they are also packed with omega-3 Cashews are another good one as they are rich in magnesium which has the ability to allow more oxygen into the brain’s blood cells.
Beetroot (also known as beets in US): A study at Wake Forest University in North Carolina has shown that drinking beet juice in a highly concentrated form can boost blood supply to areas of your brain that are important for maintaining healthy cognitive function, especially memory. This is probably due to the high levels of nitrate found in beetroot. A diet high in nitrates have been shown to increase blood flow to the white matter of the frontal lobes in the brain. This is important because it is these actual areas that are commonly associated with degeneration that eventually leads to dementia.
Skill-based Activities
Get your Game On: Play games that challenge and stimulate your mind including Picture Puzzles, Strategy Games, Crossword Puzzles, Card Games, Deduction Games (such as Clue), Visualisation Puzzles and Optical Illusions.
Read: Reading stimulates the brain as it activates your imagination. Reading also helps with memory retention and problem solving, especially if youre reading a mystery. Also, self-help books stimulate your brain by helping you to think for yourself, as well as find solutions in your mind.
Exercise: Exercising helps circulate blood that carries oxygen to your brain. Over the long-term, exercise is proven to increase brainpower and even create new neurons.
Meditate: Meditation has been shown to increase your IQ, relieve stress, and promote a higher level of brain functioning. Meditation also stimulates the prefrontal cortex of the brain, the area of the brain responsible for advanced thinking, ability and performance.
Breathe Deep: Deep breathing helps deliver oxygen to your brain. Oxygen helps you be more alert and awake. As little as 10 to 15 minutes of deep breathing daily can increase brain functionality.
Listen to Music: Studies have proven that listening to music strengthens the right hemisphere of the brain and actually changes the structure of it. Also, people who listen to music are shown to be more emotionally intelligent than those who don’t.
Write: In the movie ‘Limitless’ the main character is a writer a practice that improves memory and thought expression. Writing articles, blogs, or journal entries stimulates thought processes, which also enhances brain function.
Sleep: Clear mental clutter and avoid brain fog with sleep. When you dont get enough sleep at night, your memory and normal brain function suffers.
Become an Artist: Painting and drawing are both effective brain boosters, shown to stimulate the creative side of your brain.
