Smart Fuel! Enhance your diet for a healthier brain and a better run!

I found this article in a Runners World Magazine and wanted to blog the topic! It's about eating the right foods to enhance your brain function and for a better run. Your brain is not only responsible for cognitive and memory functions, but is also critical in controlling fatigue levels during a run. Nourishing your brain with key nutrients will boosts its overall function and help you in the long run.

Here is a short list of the top brain foods -

Almonds - one of the richest sources of vitamin E and make for a smart snack. Vitamin E reduces oxidative stress in the brain caused by a crappy diet of refined carbohydrates (sugar and white flour) and unhealthy fats. Vitamin E is a potent protector for the brain's omega-3-rich cell membranes.

Eggs - Choline helps keep your brain's messengers (neurotransmitters) signaling properly.

Kale - Lutein protects neurons from oxidative damage caused by pollution and heavy breathing (hard running for example). Oxidative damage is linked to poor cognitive function, early memory loss, and Alzheimer's disease.

Salmon - The membrane of brain cells is made primarily of omega-3 fats - same fat in salmon. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) makes these cells more supple, optimizing your processing power. Omega-3s may also delay memory loss as you age and boosts IQ in kids.

Whey Protein - One of the main proteins in milk and other dairy foods, whey may save the brain. Enhances your brains ability to process oxygen which is a sign of optimal brain function.

Yogurt - The probiotics found in some yogurts may affect brain function. A study done of individuals who ate yogurt with probiotics twice daily for 4 weeks showed better connectivity between brain regions than the control group.

Brussels Sprouts - Vitamin K enhances verbal memory skills

Olive Oil - enhances your memory

If these foods are currently not in your nutrition, start adding some in! Each of the foods are nutrient dense foods that are not only good for your waist line and your running, but also your brain!

Please feel free to share any comments or email me for questions!

Happy Smart Fuel Running :)