HANDY TIPS FOR HEALTHY BRAIN FUNCTION

Brain is an instrument that goes on disrepair among Indians every 5 years, and needs to be revitalized. The following combination of foods help our brain function well enough to cooperate for further training. This type of nutritious food is typically out of reach for an average Indian wage earner. But of course, for such folks like me, Keppai Koozh (Ragi Porridge) and Keerai (Spinach) varieties step in to do the role.

• Omega-3 Fats – Safflower, Sunflower, Flax seed, Sage, Olive, Walnut and Wheatgerm oils 
• Antioxidants    – Berries, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots, Garlic, Onion, Grapes, Grains like Brown   Rice, Barley, Rye, Oats and Wheat, Spinach, Tea (regular/herbal like Green/Ginkoba), Tomatoes
• Tyrosine Rich  – Dairy and Soy
• Hydration        – Water, Fresh fruit and vegetable juices, Electrolyte Salts
• Vitamins & Minerals – B Complex, C, Iron, Selenium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc
• Fibrous Varieties – Dried Fruits like Apricots, Dates, Plums, Prunes and Raisins, Veggies, Beans & Lentils, Nuts & Seeds, Fruits and Grains

Other than the foods above, cognition improvement supplements have flooded the market in the last two decades. Nootropics such as Picamilon, Piracetam and other Racetam group, Phenibut and other GABA enhancing supplements have caught the fancy of those who can afford them. Some of these supplements are very effective for short term results such as memory enhancement for exams and interview, and few have actually helped Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients lead a better quality life.

It is also imperative to be very careful about head injuries. They are never to be taken lightly. Overcoming and even avoiding stressful situations is essential as cognitive abilities get easily impaired under severe stress and anxiety. A final tip is to play brain games and solve brain teasers and puzzles. Reading a lot of books opens the mind to ideas and possibilities. Our Rishis and Kings nurtured Paatashaalas where special Veda training such as Ghanam recitation were taught for memory improvement. Indians were once so learned, they neither required democracy nor corrupt politicians to regulate their daily lives. Training the brain is as important as training any other muscle in the body. As the witty saying goes, a well trained mind can very well mind a train. Below is a brain teaser for some extra fun (click image for website):