Of all the brain foods available, the walnuts are the best. Wrinkled, brain-shaped, and full of nutrients, they're not only nature's error – they're one of the finest brain foods in the world. As a practicing doctor of prevention medicine, I've observed and witnessed firsthand the effect of good food on the performance of the brain, and walnuts for brain performance always headed my list.
Cognition nuts have been extensively researched, but walnuts stand apart in that they possess a special nutritional composition. Other nuts meet on the criteria with benefits greater than mere nourishment, but the benefits of walnuts are much greater than mere nourishment. Benefits of walnuts are that they contain the highest level of omega-3 fatty acids of all tree nuts, and walnuts are greatly advantageous to cognition.
The connection between walnut function and brain is that walnuts are a source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an omega-3 fatty acid of plant origin. The brain's required fatty acid constitutes nearly 60% of brain structure and thus the omega 3 brain benefits of walnuts are particularly crucial to neurological well-being.
Tests reveal that walnuts improve brain function in some ways. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids that are employed to produce DHA, which is part of the brain cell membranes. This improves the coordination of the brain cells and leads to improved memory, focus, and brain functions.
Experiments have indicated that daily walnut intakes can increase the working memory of an adult by as much as 19%. Walnuts are therefore of cosmic significance to working professionals, students, and all others who might want to maintain their wits for the remainder of their lives.
Walnuts were consumed to improve memory performance by increasing the neurons' capacity to make new connections. Polyphenols and vitamin E antioxidants in walnuts shield the brain cells against oxidation and inflammation, both of which are the primary causes of mental performance deterioration with age.
Memory foods like walnuts also help in the synthesis of acetylcholine, the key neurotransmitter for acquisition and memory formation. Intake of such foods for maintaining brain health like walnuts on a daily basis can be helpful in healthy aging of the brain in elderly people.
Walnut cognitive function diet is not exactly omega-3 fatty acids. These fantastic nuts contain:
Vitamin E: Prevents brain cells from undergoing oxidative damage
Folate: Facilitates neurotransmitter synthesis
Melatonin: Controls sleep stages necessary for memory consolidation
Polyphenols: Anti-inflammatory activity in brain tissue
Its high nutritional value increases brain food benefits of walnut more than other nuts that boost memory.
As one of the brain-healthy foods, take 1-2 ounces daily, a handful, of walnuts. This provides you with the most nutritious foods to boost brainpower without additional calories. These are easy ways to add these brain-power foods to daily life:
Breakfast: Top oatmeal or yogurt with chopped walnuts
Afternoon: Have walnuts as a snack-sized serving
Evening: Have them with whole grain food or salads
While walnuts are among the most concentrated foods to provide the brain, they work best as part of a comprehensive approach to brain nutrition. Other brain fuel foods include:
Blueberries as antioxidant defense
Fatty fish to boost omega-3s
Leafy green vegetables dark-colored for vitamin K and folate
Avocados as healthy monounsaturated fats
Since one of the foods the doctor recommends that one should consume for brain nutrition is walnuts, then walnuts would form the brain diet. My diet recommendations for the brain diet are:
Consistency: Regular intake of walnuts on a daily basis is preferable to intake of a huge amount in bulk
Quality: Use raw, unsalted walnuts to deliver maximum brain nutrition value
Storage: Store walnuts in the refrigerator to maintain their omega-3 levels.
Synergy: Pair walnuts with other brain foods to capitalize on synergistic effects
Experiments reveal that daily consumption of walnuts as healthy for the brain also remains to provide long-term neuroprotection. Daily consumption will avoid the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Anti-inflammatory property of walnuts maintains the brain healthy as aging goes on.
Walnuts brain benefits as a main nutrient of any brain diet program make them a great addition to any brain diet program. These great brain health nuts offer a delicious, convenient way to improve mental functioning, memory, and avoid age-related loss.
Personally, I have personally experienced the mental advantages of good nutrition. Eat walnuts, and it is one of the best brain health habits you can get into. Eat a handful daily, and see the amazing effects of the walnuts for yourself.
Keep in mind that peak brain function is the reward of a carefully considered overall regimen of healthy eating, exercise, good sleep, and stress reduction. Walnuts are the brain's best friend – make them your new best friend on the road to improved brain function.