Did you know that our brain works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? In fact, the brain is the most powerful organ in our body?
This is because our brain is responsible for our thoughts, and is the all-powerful control center for our movements, breathing, heartbeat regulation, and all 5 senses, even while we sleep.
Protecting and optimizing our brain health vitality has many benefits beyond just our mental health, it also improves our physical health and overall well-being, and as a result, contributes to a more optimistic and productive society.
According to the World Health Organization, a United Nations agency that leads global health efforts in Switzerland, the level of brain health is directly related to “the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral and motor domains”, and is a major determinant for “individuals to realize their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders”.
The good news is that throughout our lives, nutrition has an impact on the functioning of our brain, and it’s never too late to keep improving what’s on our plate!
It has been shown that with proper nutrition, or the absence of overeating and malnutrition, is vital for brain health.
How can we improve our overall health level, including our brain vitality by eating healthy? There are many ways to accomplish this, today I’d like to share two strategies:
1. Add a fruit to your meals and snacks. Combining a variety of healthy foods to your menu helps improve overall health and makes a difference. For example, adding an orange to your breakfast, an apple to your afternoon snack, and frozen berries for dessert at dinner is both delicious and nourishing.
2. Enhance your plate with colorful vegetables, such as adding some kale, carrots, yellow peppers to your stir-fry, or add a few spinach leaves to your salad. These additions will help create a more filling meal reducing the possibility of overeating, as you feel more satisfied after having a generous portion of vegetables at lunch and dinner.
I’ll be very happy to continue the discussion with you at your next appointment!
Thank you for investing in your health and vitality!
I wish you a healthy and rewarding start to the New Year!
Photo source: Linkedin.com/pulse/mental-health-nutrition-exploring-relationship-linda-slinger
