Liberation Method

Written By Darian Rene

One of my favorite aspects in today’s society is accessibility. We often have a lump-sum of excuses ready, but none strong enough to derail the truth that if we wanted it enough, we’d be able to obtain it or make it happen.

ESPECIALLY regarding good health.

On that note, I thought I’d allow myself to inspire curiosity amongst those reading by sharing five of MY favorite foods beneficial to the brain. With this, perhaps one can be faster to pick it off a menu or romanticize it, should it be part of your home-cooked meal.

1. Salmon

I didn’t want to come off basic. I imagine this is first in just about every article, but what can I do?

Naturally, I’ve always loved seafood which is in most cases good for the brain. This is due to fatty acids in their body known as Omega-3.

Omega-3 improves blood flow and oxygen. A tendency that translates well to brain health as less blood and oxygen lead to a less active body overall. Think cars with oil or phones with batteries. Without their driver, how can they work?

In the long term, this can increase learning intake, memory, and emotional understanding. In amounts of Omega-3, Salmon is second in the sea only to Mackerel, making it fair to say the next sushi date you go on might just bring about the shift in perspective you’d been waiting on.

Of course, if I was only to spout the positives there would be nothing keeping you from labeling me a toxic optimist. Indeed, too much of anything is no good. Pollution and overconsumption are the primary issues with fish or meat in general. Due to these issues, lots of fish carry levels of mercury and even red dye to look fresh in supermarkets. There are farms and distributions that take pride in healthy food, but to be safe just take things in moderation.

2. Avocado

My mom had to expect this to be at least in the top 3.

Avocado is one of those foods that can go with just about anything in a number of ways, bringing life to any plate visually and literally. We can go on for quite a time running through the ways this fruit (yes, fruit.) can aid your brain, but we’ll stick with one.

It contains Tryptophan, an amino acid that ups serotonin and balances hormones, ultimately impacting mental health.

Yes! Food can actually fight depression!!! Cut out the picky sh#t. On top of this, it’s quite hard to find much negatives. Some say too fattening, I say healthy fats. In excess this can supposedly be damaging for a light stomach though, so know your limits.

3. Coconut Water

Technically this isn’t food. It does come from a food though! It’s also equally as beneficial as oil or from a tree. It’s weird because I used to find coconut water repulsing. Nowadays it feels more refreshing than actual water and I don’t know for sure but I believe it actually might be.

Coconut contains what are called medium-chain triglycerides or MCT’s. Our brain converts them into ketones, used as brain fuel. With a fueled brain we’re ready to think, ready to hear, ready to learn.

The only downsides in Coconut water lie in excess, allegedly. Like all things sweet though, that only makes sense. But in a society that drinks way worse consistently I’m sure a couple coconut waters a day isn’t really bad.

4. sweet potato

Yup, pretty surprising to me too. Like, I don’t care if it’s sweet. But can a potato really be good for your brain? Yes indeed.

They’re really high in vitamin B6 which helps arrange serotonin in the body, also known to be what regulates our mood. Sweet potatoes benefit the mind in even more ways than this as well.

Even so, this article is more to inspire the desire in you to find what else is good and what you can add to your diet! There are different functions of the brain that different foods answer to. It’s important to be intentional as possible with what you consume.

5. Spinach

Spinach reminds me of Popeye. What ever happened to shows advertising healthy things? I guess that’s another conversation for another article.

Spinach contains lutein. This is also found in avocado. It cleanses toxins from the brain and slows down mental decline among other amazing things.

conclusion

There are still an amount of foods I’m sure I missed. Ones I might’ve put over these! So I’ll challenge you to either share one I’ve missed or one you prefer.

Thanks for listening or reading!