(ThyBlackMan.com) Many individuals don’t realize that what they eat directly affects their mental health. Of course, there is a direct link between what we eat and our waistline, but there is another connection, one that is almost as important, one between foods and our brain function. Our brain chemicals can be affected by junk food, fatty foods, processed foods, and not eating at all.
Eating healthy can prevent a host of illnesses, both physical diseases and mental issues. What you put in your body is as important and what you do with your body. Exercise and movement are paramount to good health, but so is eating a proper diet.
There is a whole host of mental illnesses that are connected to what we eat and what we don’t eat. Illnesses like anorexia, bulimia, skin disorders, and many others can be from not eating or eating too much or what we eat. Anorexia recovery, and overcoming any type of mental illness is hard, but can be done with the proper help.
Here are some helpful hints to eating right to keep your mental and physical health in balance.
Note: we use the word “diet” in this article, but this is a plan to eat better for the rest of your life. It is not a fad diet, not a once in a while eating program, it’s a lifestyle change. Eating healthy for life will prolong your life and you will be happier as well as healthier.
Plant-Based, Brain-Boosting Foods
Below is a short list of the best plant-based, brain-boosting foods to include in your daily diet.
- Chia
- Blueberries
- Cashews, walnuts, almonds
- Dark leafy greens
- Avocados
- Pumpkin seeds
- Flaxseed oil and/or flax seeds
Plant-Based Diets
A plant-based diet can help clean and maintain a healthy body and mind. The research points to the reduction of inflammation in the body and the brain. Reduced swelling anywhere in the body is beneficial to all parts, the brain included.
Inflammation in the body causes chronic pain and can affect the brain with what many describe as a “fog.” Brain fog is lifted when one stops eating processed foods and replaces junk food with plants.
Another added benefit is the antioxidants found in vegetables and fruits help balance neurotransmitters and repair cell damage in the brain. Phytochemicals or micronutrients in certain veggies and fruits help brain function at its best.
Fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, beans, and other plants are the best foods to eat to keep your body and brain working at optimum levels.
Omega-3
If you are going to eat plants for your brain health, you may consider the argument for adding fish to your diet. Fish is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. One problem with adding fish to your diet is that it can sometimes cause inflammation.
If you add fish to your diet once or twice a week and add many of the items from the list above, (avocados, Chia, flaxseed oil, and walnuts), you will be able to balance your Omega-3 fatty acids and feel your best.
Eating fish once or twice a week, along with a plant-based diet, will help you feel physically and mentally fit. According to most research, this type of eating program can also keep diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s and other terminal illnesses at bay for longer periods of time.
Staff Writer; Ricky Poole
