Breakfast is one of the most important meals of your day as what you consume determines how you feel, most people think about their health in a physical manner but hardly ever do they think about how what they eat affects their neurological thinking. Sure you can feel energetic if you eat more healthy carbs, and it may boost your brainpower because you’re more alert, though carbs wear off fast! what could be a better option?… Below are five ingredients that can contribute to better mental health and sustainable thinking power to keep you focused and on task for the day!
Maple syrup
Maple syrup is on this list as it’s a better alternative to refined and processed sugars. Maple syrup contains certain strains that improve memory loss which research shows is the usual occurrence with mental health sufferers. additionally, it was founded by Dr. Donald Weaver from the Krembil Research Institute of the University of Toronto that maple syrup extract can help prevent the clumping of beta-amyloid and tau peptide – two proteins found in brain cells that when tangled often lead to the accumulation of plaque contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
A teaspoon of maple syrup teaspoon is all you need due to its rich sucrose content, and exceeding 1 tablespoon may topple your recommended daily amount of sugar intake, therefore, this stuff can be great as long as you watch your consumption, as too much sugar can worsen your mental health, memory loss, fatigue and counteract your energy levels.
If you don’t mind the taste of non-caloric sugars then click here for recommended picks of the best natural low-calorie sweeteners.
Cacao powder
Cacao Powder is a better option if you like chocolate-flavored foods, it is also a better choice compared to cocoa powder as it is less processed and refined. Cacao powder contains higher contents of antioxidants which will help with the eradication of free radicals in the body and mind, improving your immune system and helping your outer appearance combat signs of aging.
Protein powder
Protein powders are not just made for fitness fanatics, gym buffs or personal trainers, nor is it only used for muscle growth. Protein powders come in many different forms to suit many different people and their lifestyles such as pea protein for vegans, or whey isolate for people who are in need of dense protein-rich diets. Though, the reason why protein powders have made it on this list is because protein powders contain essential amino acids that contribute to better neural health and stabilizing moods. The best and usual amino acids found in protein powders are L-Tryptophan, L-Tyrosine, and L-phenylalanine, the list may contain more, though, the ones mentioned here are good sources to look out for.
However, Although, amino acids are great building blocks for the body and the nervous system it’s always recommended to do further research as everyone’s immune system functions differently and may react differently to each amino acid. Always do research and consult with your GP before taking any supplemented ingredients.
Avocado
Avocados are great for mental health as it contains the amino acid Tryptophan a precursor for serotonin aka the hormone that helps to stabilize your mood and improve your overall feeling of happiness, it is also rich with b vitamins and omega 3 which are great for growth and cognition.
Although avocados are high in Fat it is a non-saturated source of healthy fat that makes you feel satiated for longer meaning you won’t feel the need to crave unhealthy sugary snacks that ultimately would ruin your diet and crash your attentivity. Refined sugars stored in the body as excess fat counteract your energy making you plummet and gain more weight than needed, therefore, the benefits of adding an avocado to your meal go a long way!
Seeds
Seeds are a great addition to your meals because they are high in nutrients, well known sources are chia seeds or gluten-free multi-seeded bread that contain chia seeds along with other seeds such as pumpkin seeds. Chia seeds are low in calories yet grow in size when wet, its high in fiber and omega3 fatty acids which makes you stay fuller for longer. The feeling of fullness contributes to your feeling of contentment and allowing for a more positive mindset throughout your day. The gluten-free nature of chia seeds and seeds, in general, is also a great option if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as it’s fibrous, though, not heavy on the bowel, it helps stabilize blood sugar levels and combats inflammation.
With seeds, a little goes a long way, therefore, it’s also a great option when wanting to achieve a healthy lifestyle on a budget.
0 Comments