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Top Brain Foods For Vegetarians

by Alicia Sparks, Mental Health Notes on September 15th, 2008

Remember when I gave you five tips on how to keep your child’s mind healthy this school year? Well, during that post, I suggested checking out WebMD’s Top 10 Brain Foods for Children because, as well all know, proper nutrition is important for our brains and our mental health.

I haven’t talked too much about food here at Mental Health Notes. I’m by no means an expert (we leave that to Ruth around here!). However, I do have a personal interest in vegetarianism and I was excited when I saw the number of vegetarian-friendly brain foods (and even vegan-friendly brain foods) included in WebMD’s list.

All but one!

• Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is full of antioxidants for nervous membranes and thiamin for the brain’s and nervous system’s use glucose.
• Whole Grains: Whole grains have B-vitamins for a healthy nervous system and fiber to help regulate glucose release.
• Oats: Oats are full of vitamin E, B-vitamins, potassium, and zinc which help fuel the brain and get it working at it’s best.
• Berries: Blueberries and strawberries have especially shown assistance with improved memory, and berry seeds are sources of Omega-3 fats.
• Beans: Beans have lots of energy-promoting components like vitamins, minerals, protein, and complex carbs. You can also get Omega-3 fatty acids from kidney and pinto beans.
• Colorful Veggies: Vegetables with deep colors like tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and pumpkin are packed with antioxidants for strong, healthy brains.
• Meat Alternatives: One of the biggies you want from meat is iron, but you can get also get iron from meat alternatives like black bean and soy burgers.
• Eggs (lacto-ovo-vegetarians, ovo-vegetarians): Aside from protein, eggs are a great source of choline, which helps with memory.
• Milk and Yogurt (lacto-ovo-vegetarians, ovo-vegetarians): Brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes can grow thanks to the protein and B-vitamins in dairy foods. And, along with the protein, carbohydrates help with brain energy.

Are you a vegetarian or vegan with a favorite brain food? Or a meat-eater with a veggie-friendly food that gives you a mental boost? Feel free to share in the comments!

Image: SXC

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