Tag Archives: Memory

Brain Research and Nutrition

06 Thursday Dec 2012

Posted by in Healthy Eating, Healthy Mind

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Brain Research and NutritionAs a continuation to last weeks post, “Brain Research and Exercise,” science is proving that what we eat affects our brain; cognition, memory, attention, stress, and even intelligence. The journals Nutritional Neuroscience and European Journal of Clinical Nutrition have been studying the effects on schools that pay attention to nutrition and cognition.

There seems to be direct correlation in children between what they eat and how the brain functions. Those who eat a diet of fruit, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains/complex carbohydrates have been shown to function better at school than those who consume a diet of processed foods and fast food high in fats and sugars.

Love, Health & Happiness,

Phyllis

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Are You Getting Enough Folic Acid?

11 Thursday Oct 2012

Posted by in Healthy Eating

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Are You Getting Enough Folic Acid?Folic Acid (Folate) is a B-Vitamin, and is important for the development of red blood cells that carry oxygen around your body and also helps maintain good circulation of blood throughout your body.

The consumption of natural foods high in Folic Acid plays an important role in prevention or reversal of many illnesses including heart disease, memory loss, and depression, to name a few. When the body gets the nutrients it needs and has good circulation, it can function optimally.

Here is a list of foods that are good sources of Folic Acid:

1. Greens/vegetables: romaine lettuce, spinach, asparagus, parsley, turnip greens, collard greens, mustard greens, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, summer squash, strawberries, papaya, green beans, cabbage, tomatoes, fennel, peas, kale, avocado

2. Beans: pinto beans, black beans, garbanzo beans, navy beans, kidney beans, lentils

3. Whole Grains: whole wheat, wheat germ, bran, brown rice, oatmeal, whole-grain breads and pastas, barley

Love, Health & Happiness,

Phyllis

 

A Way to a Healthier and Happier Mind

28 Monday May 2012

Posted by in Healthy Mind

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I’m at my most favorite place to meditate! On the balcony overlooking the waters of Cancun. 

There are many ways to meditate, including focusing on a mantra or word like peace or love, or putting your attention on your breath as you breathe in and out.  There are also walking meditations, mindfulness meditations, prayerful meditations and recorded guided meditations.     

When first learning to meditate you may find peace and tranquility. Yet, if you are like most people, you may have runaway thoughts and feel fidgety.  Learning a form of meditation is worth the effort.  The journal Psychiatry Research, published a recent study on Neuroimaging, from Massachusetts General Hospital.  The results showed meditation-produced changes over time in the brain’s grey matter.  Studies have shown that those who meditate almost 30 minutes a day on average, for eight weeks, have measurable changes in brain regions associated with their memory, sense of self, empathy, and stress response.   

With practice, meditation can provide a sense of peacefulness and stillness.  It can increase creativity, wisdom, and awareness.  Other benefits documented by research include: stress reduction, improved sleep, reduced pain levels, lowered blood pressure, decreased anxiety and depression, and even improved relationships and job performance.   

Find a meditation that works for you.   Learn more by reading about meditation, taking a class or talking with people who meditate regularly.  Or just start on your own by sitting quietly for 5-10 minutes and gradually build up to 20-30 minutes. 

Love, Health & Happiness,

Phyllis