As people age, brain function also decreased. Conditions that make a lot of advertising in the media offer the products to sharpen the mind, memory and helps concentration. But is it really effective? Or willing to try foods that increase the concentration.
And indeed healthy foods into one of the factors that keep the brain healthy. As quoted from WebMD, Thursday (20/10/2011), some foods that can help improve brain function, among others:
1. Caffeine to stay alert
There are no miracle cures to boost IQ or make so much smarter, but certain substances such as caffeine can give you energy and help stay focused and concentrate.
Many are found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine makes the drinker stay awake, even though the effect is only short term. However, excess caffeine and can cause anxiety and discomfort.
2. Sugar increases alertness
Sugar is the fuel of the brain. Sugar in question is glucose, the metabolism of the body from sugar and carbohydrates are eaten.
That is why a glass of sugary drinks can improve memory, thinking processes, and mental ability in the short term. But if you consume too much, can interfere with memory.
3. Breakfast to fuel the brain
Research has found that breakfast can improve memory and attention span for the short term. Students who eat breakfast tend to perform better than those without.
Breakfast is very beneficial for the brain include foods rich in fiber, grains, dairy, and fruits. But do not eat too much breakfast. High-calorie breakfast can actually hinder concentration.
4. Fish, a brain nutrient sebenanrnya
Useful source of protein that improve brain performance are fish, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain function and development. Healthy fats are great to improve brain power.
Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce risk of dementia and stroke, slow decline in mental function, and it is important to improve memory, especially when people get older. For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish each week.
5. Nuts and chocolate
Nuts and seeds are a source of antioxidants vitamin E is able to reduce the effects of declining brain function due to age. Dark chocolate also has powerful antioxidant properties and contains caffeine which can improve focus and concentration.
Eating an ounce of nuts and dark chocolate every day can provide all the benefits that your body needs without having to worry about excess calories, fat, or sugar.
6. Avocado and whole grains
All organs of the body depends on blood flow, especially the heart and brain. Eating avocados can reduce the risk of heart disease and blood pressure and lowering bad cholesterol levels.
The impact will reduce the risk of plaque buildup and increase blood flow, a simple yet delicious way to stimulate brain cells. Grains such as popcorn and whole grains also contain fiber and vitamin E.
7. Blueberries
Research in animals shows that blueberries may help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the effects of aging such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Research also has shown that a diet rich in blueberries significantly improved the working muscles and brains of older mice as well as make it mentally equivalent to much younger rats.
8. Healthy food
Foods that do not contain essential nutrients can reduce the ability to concentrate. Eating too much or too little can also interfere with the ability to focus the mind.
Heavy meal can make the body feel lethargic, while too few calories can lead to annoying hunger.
9. Vitamins, minerals and supplements
Store shelves displaying various kinds of supplements that claim to improve health. Although many ads about supplements such as vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium look promising, a supplement is only useful for people who lack certain nutrients.
Scientists are more optimistic about the effects of ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral, and herbal combinations on brain function.
10. Get ready to face the daily activities
Start by drinking 100% fruit juice, eat whole wheat bread with salmon, and drank a cup of coffee. In addition to eating a balanced meal, experts also recommend:
- A good night's sleep.
- Drink enough water.
- Exercises to sharpen the mind.
- Meditation for the mind clear and relaxed.
Fragrant essential oils that are familiar is called is called aromatherapy is often encountered in the spa services that claimed to be beneficial to health. However, recent studies find aromatherapy can increase levels of air pollution and potentially dangerous if used in confined spaces.
Fragrant essential oils derived from plants release different types of volatile organic compounds (volatile organic compounds or VOCs) into the air. These VOCs react with the ozone and produces byproducts called secondary organic aerosol (secondary organic aerosols, or SOA) that can cause eye irritation and respiratory tract.
Research conducted in Taiwan tested the fragrances and essential oils Chinese herbs on the formation of SOA in a controlled room under different test conditions.Researchers also conduct air sampling and analysis centers spa offering massage therapy using essential oils.
As reported by ScienceDaily, Monday (24/10/2011), the researchers compared the rate of SOA from the use of essential oils and fragrances. Researchers concluded that the layout and ventilation in the spa can affect the level of indoor air pollutants generated during the session with aromatherapy massage.
The research team consisting of Jen-Der Hsu from the National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Hsiao-Lin Huang Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, and Shiann-Cherng Sheu from Chang-Jung Christian University, Tainan.
"Dr. Der-Jen Hsu and his colleagues have done a very good attention to health risks are often overlooked because of the luxuries that are intended to increase the sense of health," says Domenico Grasso, PhD, chief editor, Vice President of Research, and Dean of the Graduate College, University of Vermont.
If not handled properly, anemia or less blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Therefore, immediately treat anemia with proper nutritional supplements or blood booster. Some types of fruit can also increase the number of red blood cells.
Anemia or commonly known as anemia disease is a phenomenon caused by lack of iron in the body. Iron itself is a basic ingredient in the formation of hemoglobin in the blood that carries lots of oxygen.The low content of iron (Fe) on the patient's body anemia causes red blood cells are produced too little.
Some foods are good for anemia include oysters, shrimp, beef liver, meat, eggs, milk, green peas, peanuts, soy, and green vegetables.
There are also some fruits that can increase the number of red blood cells, as reported by LIVESTRONG on Wednesday (12/10/2011):
1. Vitamin A
Besides essential for eye health, vitamin A is also important to increase the number of red blood cells. Vitamin A also helps in the mobilization of iron for incorporation into hemoglobin, the pigment that transports oxygen. Fruits are good sources of vitamin A such as apricots, melons, oranges, plums, mango, watermelon and dried fruit.
2. Vitamin B complex
Some of the vitamin B complex essential for the production and function of red blood cells. Among these are B-12, B-6, B-5 of thiamine and riboflavin. While the B-12 comes from animal products, other B complex vitamins are widely distributed throughout the food supply. Fruits are good sources of vitamin B complex include bananas, dates, mangoes, grapes, pineapple, watermelon, melon, avocados and pomegranates.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C greatly increases the body's ability to absorb nonheme iron, which makes up about two-thirds of the amount of iron absorbed, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Fruits are rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, lemon, lime, strawberry, kiwi, mango, papaya and pineapple.
4. Iron
Iron is essential for the structure and function of red blood cells. Iron is a component in the formulation of hemoglobin, which is essential for oxygen transport and storage. Fruits that are good sources of iron include raisins, plums, avocados, blackberries, cherries, grapes, watermelon, raspberries and figs.
5. Mineral
Copper and phosphorus plays a role in the health and function of red blood cells. Linus Pauling Institute said copper helps in the metabolism of iron, while phosphorus helps hemoglobin in oxygen delivery to tissues. Fruits are rich in phosphorus and copper, among others, kiwi, dates, mango, avocado, blackberry and pomegranate.
Disorders of bad breath may sound trivial but it is quite disturbing.Some things are known as bad breath can cause, one of which was due to deficiency of vitamin B.
Eating chewing gum or using mouthwash only provide a temporary solution, because it does not treat the underlying cause. In addition diligent brushing sometimes not enough.
About 10 percent of cases of bad breath does not come from the mouth, but due to vitamin B deficiency that causes bad breath originating from the stomach, as quoted from Mayoclinic, Saturday (08/10/2011).
Vitamin B complex helps the body make energy from food. When the body lacks this vitamin is the enzyme that is produced to help digest food and reduce bacteria in the blood is reduced.
This condition causes an increase in 'waste' in the blood that lead to bad breath. Symptoms of deficiency of vitamin B complex which include dizziness, migraines and diarrhea.
The same thing also found in the study results Evelyn Roehl researcher who discovered the deficiency of vitamin B3 (niacin) will cause bad breath due to the reduction of metabolic processes in the body. Generally, adults should consume 14-16 mg of vitamin B3 per day.
In addition to vitamin B deficiency, there are also some other cause such as food (onion, meat, milk, sugar, eggs, coffee and alcohol), smoking, having a dry mouth disorders as well as oral hygiene and bad teeth.
To overcome this problem by extending to drink to prevent dehydration and mouth ekring, avoiding food triggers bad breath, use mouthwash containing folic acid if the bad breath due to inflammation in the gums as well as consult a doctor if bad breath is still arising.