Brain Health - Ways To Maintain It!

Brain stimulating activities such as mental gymnastics, word puzzles, quizzes, and mathematic problems help build up the brain. Activities such as drawing, painting, and craft which require manual dexterity also improve the brain health. Physical exercise, especially aerobics, makes the brain more efficient. Physical exercise reduces mental stress by supplying oxygenrich blood to the area in the brain responsible for thought process. Mediterranean diet (high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains but low in red meat) is thought to be associated with increased memory power.

Staying connected with your friends and family is one of the key factors to happiness. Research conducted so far has confirmed how regularizing your social activities helps with the creation of new brain cells. So get involved in social activities such as visiting the friends, family, and acquaintances. You can also try to volunteer or join a club that enhances intellectual stimulation.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is found to be effective in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. It also helps with its treatment. Turmeric contains curcuminoids, which enhance the bioavailability of DHA, an essential fatty acid for maintaining brain health.

Free radicals can damage the brain by their oxidation effect. Therefore a diet rich in antioxidants helps in reducing the risk of harmful effects produced by free radicals on the brain. Vitamin C and vitamin E are rich sources of antioxidants. Vitamin E is found in milk, egg yolks, grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, broccoli, cabbage, strawberries, tomatoes, sprouts, potatoes, and peppers. Vitamin B3, B6, and B12 also help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer s disease. They help in lowering homocysteine levels in the body, which are thought to be linked to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer s disease.