The mind will not probe deeply
Think critically
Flourish creatively
Without spiritual or physical nourishment
To fuel profundity
The daily prompt, profound, has me thinking deeply about foods that fuel the brain. I ran off a shopping list of excellent food sources that increase brain power, concentration, and cognitive abilities, as well as improve mood, memory, and stress. Perhaps these superfoods will fuel creativity for your next project or novel.
I’m sure I’ve missed a few but here are my favorite brain foods for the vegan and non-vegan.
- Avocados: A great source of monounsaturated fats, omega 3, and omega 6 fatty acids, which increases blood flow to the brain. Contains antioxidant, potassium, and Vitamin K which protect cells from free radical damage, and the risk of stroke.
- Beans/Legumes: Great sources of complex carbohydrates, folate (B vitamins) and omega fatty acids. Provides a steady supply of glucose for the brain, optimal brain functioning
- Nuts, Seeds Chia, Flaxseeds: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin E might help to prevent cognitive decline
- Berries: (Acai, Blueberries, Blackberry, cranberries and Goji berries) Anthocyanins, a protective compound in berries improves memory. Vitamin C increases mental agility and protect against age-related brain degeneration including dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- Quinoa/ Whole Grains: Supplies energy in the form of glucose to the brain – better concentration and focus
- Beets, Broccoli, Red Cabbage, Red Peppers, Spinach, and Tomatoes: Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant in tomatoes protects against free radical damage to body and brain cells, and may delay or prevent dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. These vegetables contain vitamin C which increases mental agility and protects against age-related brain degeneration including dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Dark Chocolate: Contains antioxidants and flavonols which improve cognitive abilities, memory, and improves mood.
- Rosemary, Sage: Contains antioxidants which improve blood flow to the brain, enhances mood, memory, and concentration. Rosemary detoxifies, contains anti-cancer agents, and boosts energy
Avocado
Of course, I love avocados. I eat it a variety of ways: In salads, sandwiches, smoothies, but one dish I can’t get enough of is guacamole.
Guacamole
Ingredients
2 Ripe Avocados, peeled and pitted
2 Tablespoons scallions, finely chopped (or regular onion)
1/4 Cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
2 Limes, squeezed and juice reserved
1 Small tomato, finely chopped
1 Medium clove of garlic, crushed
1/4 Teaspoon ground cumin (more to taste)
Salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste
*For Variation: Add green chilies or hot sauce.
Directions
- Combine the scallions, cilantro, garlic salt, black pepper, cayenne, and cumin in a mixing bowl. Pour lime juice over the mixture. Use a fork, or a muddler. Muddle the ingredients until well combined and slightly crushed. Set this aside for about 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, add in the chopped avocado and stir with a fork, mashing avocados until smooth. Smooth to your liking.
- Stir in the diced tomato. Taste and adjust ingredients until it suits your preference.
Enjoy!
Photo 1: Courtesy of Creative Explosion
Photo 2: Courtesy of www.imusausa.com
Great post hun-the quote at the beginning is great. Did you write it? I will get onto the healthy foods now-I am inspired 🙂
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That’s my attempt at profound poetry:-) Thank you! I hate to preach health to anyone, but it’s been an amazing healer in my life. Give it a shot. It can only help 🙂
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I really seriously need to get my diet sorted. Maybe it’d keep my moods stable? Your poetry is not just an attempt-IT IS PROFOUND! I love it 🙂
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PS. Your books look cool. are they on kindle? Also is your blog a custom one? It’s really cool 🙂 xx
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Hi, Imani. Thank you. Yes, my books are available on Kindle. I’ve not made the jump to a custom blog yet.I’m sure as the blogging progresses, I’ll crave another change. I read your post this morning. Wow! You responded appropriately to the unf . . . .able (oops I know I’ll mispell it so leave at that) remarks! Loved it!
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haha I am really glad hun that you liked it-you always seem to click like on my posts which I appreciate 🙂 I changed my book blog earlier as I get bored of the same designs. I will look up those books, something to add to make increasingly long ‘to do’ list haha 🙂
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This made me smile as soon as I saw that bowl of guacamole. I love guacamole, so thanks for sharing your recipe my friend. I may have to try your recipe sometime. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Barbara! I’m glad I made you smile. Enjoy the guacamole!
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I liked your blog, looks delicious, I invite you to my blog:
http://dishdessert.wordpress.com
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Hi! I just perused your wonderful blog. Love you recipes. Looks very healthy and delicious. I believe I’ll be a regular visitor. Thank you!!
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welcome
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