Published on: 16 February 2017
Last Updated on: 22 February 2020
Want to improve your brain power? Fuel your brain, with enough protein to improve its performance. Here, I shall be discussing 5 food types that could help in improving your mental health.
The most important inclusion to the diet chart is food items that are rich sources of lean protein. Protein is probably one of the most abundant substances present in the body, next only to carbohydrate. The food that we consume is broken down to substances for creating neurotransmitters and different other chemicals. These chemicals and neurotransmitters help the nervous system and provide power to the brain for communicating in an effective manner. Tryptophan, a certain kind of amino acid influences the mood by the effective production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin helps in fighting depression. Some of the common sources of lean protein are eggs, beans, chicken, turkey, and fish. Consuming these food items in suitable amount helps in keeping the serotonin level balanced. Complex carbs are also important to include in the diet. They help in facilitating the tryptophan entry into the brain. This helps in reducing the anxiety and depression, thus, improving cognitive functioning.
Include Fish in the Diet
Fish, especially the sea-based ones are high sources of protein and are low in terms of saturated fats. Sea-based fish like trout, anchovies, herring, salmon, prawn, sardines, and sablefish are also high sources of omega-3 fatty acid. Seafood or sea-based fish are an exclusive part of protein families and must be consumed at least twice in a week. Remember, the composition of our brain is largely based on fat. Our body is incapable of manufacturing those essential fatty acids in a large volume. Therefore, we must depend on diets that are rich in lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that would help in our brainpower prowess. Omega-3 fatty acid also helps in boosting memory and developing the learning power of the brain.
Soy and Tofu (Non-GMO based) are said to be excellent sources of lean protein with low-fat content. They could be the best alternative to red meat. Enjoy a meatless diet with soy and tofu to get essential protein, without affecting your health.
Focusing on Dairy Products
Certain dairy products like, yogurt, milk, and cheese are high sources of protein. However, they are not sources of lean protein. Rather, they are sources of healthy proteins, with fat content. Therefore, you must avoid flavored milk and low-fat yogurts due to their inclusion of added sugar. Also, it is advisable to avoid processed cheese because of the presence of non-dairy ingredients.
Beans and Peas
Finally, include beans and peas into the diet. Both these vegetables are said to be high sources of protein and fiber. Include them in the salads, stews, soups, and other vegetable dish preparation. It would not only help in boosting your protein intake but also help in preventing the chances of cancerous cell growth factor.
Try to avoid processed carbs and replace them, with high-quality protein-based food into your diet. It would also prevent the chances of brain stroke and heart diseases while improving your mental agility and power.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
If you suffer from dry eyes, it's important to make sure your diet is providing your body with the nutrients it needs. Your optometrist can help you with dietary changes to support your eye health and decrease symptoms.
Certain vitamins and nutrients can improve your tear quality and reduce dry eye symptoms. Some of these include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound that aids in the growth of cells and tissues throughout the body, including those of the eye. It's found in a variety of foods, including carrots, spinach, and apricots.
The body can convert carotenoids to retinol, the active form of vitamin A. This happens as the body needs it, and it's possible to get this vitamin from food sources or supplements.
A deficiency of this vitamin is associated with poor tear quality and tear film dysfunction, which may lead to dry eye symptoms. The best way to ensure you have enough of this essential nutrient is by eating a balanced diet rich in foods that contain vitamin A, such as carrots and other orange-yellow vegetables.
Another important nutrient that may help with dry eyes is Vitamin D, which decreases inflammation and improves the lubrication ability of the tear film. Some sources of this nutrient include eggs, fish, and fortified cereals.
Finally, Omega-3 fats have been shown to reduce inflammation, which may be helpful for reducing irritation and dry eye symptoms like pain and itching. They also increase the amount of oil in your eyelids, which affects how quickly tears evaporate.
Whether you need to add more nutrition to your diet or want to take vitamins to help treat your dry eyes, it's important to speak with your eye doctor before you start any new treatment plan. With proper care, you can maintain healthy vision and minimize your dry eye symptoms for good.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is considered one of the best vitamins to take for dry eyes. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and soothe your eyelids.
Omega-3 fatty acids can also stimulate the production of oils in your meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing tears that lubricate the surface of your eyes. It can also help prevent dry eyes from occurring in the first place.
Fatty fish, including herring, halibut, salmon, and tuna are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They can be a great addition to a healthy diet to relieve dry eyes and other symptoms associated with dry eyes such as watery eyes, itchy, irritated eyes, and burning sensations.
It can also help to improve your vitamin D level, which is crucial for your eye health. Studies suggest that a deficiency of Vitamin D may be linked to dry eye syndrome, so adding it through diet or supplements is helpful in reducing symptoms and improving tear quality.
This vitamin is important for your retina, where it plays a key role in the health of your vision. It’s also a key antioxidant that protects your eyes from the sun.
You can also get Vitamin A from foods like carrots, spinach, and tomatoes. Taking vitamin A supplements may be beneficial for some individuals who are deficient in this nutrient. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that can also reduce the risk of developing eye diseases and infections.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that’s needed to help your body fight infection, heal wounds and keep tissues healthy. It’s available in fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruit, strawberries, cantaloupe, green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and leafy greens.
This vitamin helps lubricate your eyes and prevent dryness. It’s also an antioxidant that helps protect the blood vessels in your eye and prevent cataracts.
It’s best absorbed from foods, but it can be injected into the vein (intravenous) if necessary. Higher doses of intravenous vitamin C can be helpful in treating certain medical conditions, such as cancer.
But it can also cause negative side effects if it’s taken in too much, so talk to your doctor before you take any supplements.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, can reduce inflammation and improve the quality of your tears. They also promote the production of oils in your meibomian glands, which are responsible for keeping your tears moist and preventing them from evaporating too quickly.
These nutrients are found in eggs, fish, dark leafy greens, and other food sources. You can also get them from multivitamins and other supplement products.
It’s important to make sure you get enough of all the vitamins and minerals you need through a balanced diet. However, if you’re unable to achieve your recommended daily intake, supplements can be helpful to ease the symptoms of dry eyes.
Read Also: How To Care For Your Eye In 5 Medically Proven Ways
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that are found in foods like fish and seafood, eggs, and dark leafy vegetables. They are also available in supplements, but the body can't produce them on its own, so a healthy diet is the best way to get them.
One study shows that consuming omega-3 fats from fish can lower your risk of dry eye. In fact, researchers found that women who consumed the most omega-3s had a 17% lower risk of developing dry eyes.
Aside from reducing inflammation, omega-3s may also help your eye make more natural tears. This is because they improve the quality and quantity of the tear film.
However, if you are looking to supplement with omega-3s, it is important to choose supplements that contain EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) rather than ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Although flaxseed oil contains ALA, it doesn't have the same effect on your eyes as EPA or DHA do.
Several studies show that supplements can help improve dry eyes, but it's important to talk to your doctor before you take them. They will be able to recommend the best supplements for you. And they will know how much you should take to benefit your eyes and overall health.
Vitamin D
Adding the right vitamins and nutrients to your diet can help improve the health of your eyes, including those suffering from dry eye syndrome. It can also reduce itchiness, burning, and irritation.
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that can be found naturally in fish, dairy products, and mushrooms. It’s also available as a supplement if you don’t get enough sunlight to reach your optimal level, which is usually 600 IU or more per day.
It’s particularly important for people with darker skin pigmentation, as they produce less vitamin D through exposure to the sun than those with light-colored skin. This means that even if you’re getting plenty of sunshine, you may not be able to get the level of vitamin D your body needs to keep your eyes healthy.
Another way to ensure that your eyes are receiving the nutrients they need is to add zinc to your diet. Zinc is a mineral that helps the liver deliver vitamin A to the retina to produce melanin, a pigment that protects your eyes.
While some studies have shown that taking supplements can help ease symptoms of dry eye, be aware that excessive intake can lead to side effects and toxicity. It’s always advisable to speak with an optometrist or a pharmacist to make sure that any supplements you are considering are safe for you and your unique health situation.
Lutein & Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two antioxidants that have been shown to protect your eyes from dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration, and cataracts. They can be found in a wide range of foods, including leafy greens like spinach and kale. They can also be taken as dietary supplements.
These antioxidants help your eyes by reducing oxidative stress and free radical damage. They also help protect your eyes from light glare and UV rays.
They can also slow down macular degeneration, a disease that affects your central vision. It happens when blood vessels in the macula leak fluid. It is a leading cause of blindness in older people.
The best way to get these important vitamins into your body is to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It is also a good idea to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve the quality of your tears and reduce inflammation in your eyes.
Zinc is another nutrient that can help your eyes stay healthy. This mineral is needed to transport vitamin A from your liver to your retina and to produce melanin, which helps protect your eyes from infection and injury. It is found in a wide variety of foods, including dairy, nuts, legumes, and whole grains.
Lutein and zeaxanthin can also be taken as dietary supplements, but you should always speak with your doctor before taking any new vitamins or supplements to ensure they are safe for you.
Read Also:
10 Healthy Habits To Improve Your Health
Tips To Get Beautiful Eyes At Your Home
Contacts Vs Glasses: Which Of These Two Eyesight-Improving Methods Are Best For You?
You’re expecting? Congratulations! Well, it is the most welcoming yet challenging period in a woman’s life. Practice prenatal yoga to deal with changing body and mood swings.
Pregnancy is the most pleasing time in a woman’s life. For years, a woman dreams about this day to embrace the pleasure of being a mother. When finally the day arrives, it brings along a lot of challenges, especially for the first time mothers to be. During this period, woman battles with morning sickness, mood swings at varying levels, deal with cramps, fatigue and much more.
Due to the various body and emotional changes a woman undergoes during the gestation period, many perceive it as a complication. If you are going through the same and looking for ways to relax, de-stress and stay fit during this life-changing journey, then consider practicing prenatal yoga. The practice of yoga asanas and breathing techniques provides relief from backache, eases morning sickness and much more, ensuring a better gestation period and hassle-free delivery.
The aim of yoga is to lessen the labor pains, help the mother bring the unborn child into the world with minimal complications and, to ensure the wellbeing of the mother and the baby both. In addition to this, it provides numerous physical and mental benefits to the mother, like increasing the endurance and strength of muscles required for natural childbirth, improving the balance as body undergoes rapid changes, helping you to focus on your breathing that can be applied during labor pain, developing maternal bond with the child and so many wonderful benefits. A pregnant woman undergoes several body changes. Yoga can be the ideal way to keep the mom-to-be in shape. Those beginners who do not follow a regular yoga regime are advised not to rush into the practice without medical consent.
Keeping in mind all the precautions and health considerations, here is a list of yoga asanas for the mothers-to-be:
1. Butterfly or baddha konasana:
Sit straight on the floor and stretch your legs fully. Bend your knees and try to bring your feet as close as possible. Join them in namaste position. Keep the hands-on thighs and knees. Take deep breaths. Upon exhalation, press the thighs and knees towards the floor by pressing the elbows over the knees. Hold the pose for as long as you are comfortable. Strengthen pelvis and inner thighs.
2. Mountain Pose or Tadasana:
Stand with feet hip distance apart. Keep your spine upright and arms resting by either side. Now, stretch your arms overhead to join them in Namaskar Mudra. Tilt your head backward and fix your gaze at the fingertips. Keep breathing in and out. Hold the pose for few seconds. Strengthens spine and relieves back pain.
3. Cat Pose or Marjariasana:
Come onto your fours with knees under your hips and hands under the shoulders. Take a deep breath, lift your chin up and slightly push back your head. Hold the pose for 30 seconds. Exhale and bring your chin close to your chest. Relax your hips and hold the pose for 10 seconds. Slowly release the pose. It improves blood circulation level in the body.
Triangle Pose or Trikonasana:
Stand with a straight back on the yoga mat. Spread your feet wide about 3-4 feet. Make sure the toes of both the feet are parallel to each other and heels are aligned. Lift your hands up with palms facing downwards. Align them with your shoulders. Bend towards your left side. At the same time, lift your right hand up towards the sky. Turn your head to the left and fix your gaze on the fingertips of the right hand. Hold the pose for 10-20 seconds. The pose improves hip flexibility and eases pregnancy-related digestive issues.
Child Pose or Balasana:
Kneel on your fours. Keep your knees wide apart about 3-4 feet. Rest your hips on your heels. On an exhalation, bend forward draping your torso between your thighs. Tuck your chin close to your chest and forehead on the ground. Keep your arms extended. Remain in the pose for 5-6 slow breaths. It provides relief from nausea and stress.
Corpse Pose or Savasana:
Lie down on your back on the floor. Rest your hands by your side and keep your eyes closed. Relax your body and mind. Release all your tensions and think about the life growing inside you. Stand up and cover your face with your hands. Take ten breaths and massage your face. It relaxes your whole body.
Practice prenatal yoga to be at your healthiest during your pregnancy period.
Read More :
Follow These 5 Yoga Poses To Reduce Stubborn Belly Fat
9 Tips For Staying Fit And Healthy During Pregnancy
What Are Popular Mind And Body Exercises Available At A Gym?
Why Jumping On Trampolines Is More Beneficial Than Running Or Jogging?
Bed Time Yoga To Sleep Well
Tequila is synonymous with many things - most notably face distorting shots in the very early hours of the morning - but ‘miracle cure’ has never been one of them. That is, until now.
Research is revealing that there might be more to this spirit than first meets the eye, including some surprising health benefits like stronger bones, improved digestion and reducing the risk of diabetes.
Stronger bones :
That’s right, Mexico’s Scientists at the Centre for Research and Advanced Studies have discovered that Tequila helps promote strong bones. How? Researchers found that the agave component of tequila actually enhances the absorption of calcium in the body!
And the benefits of calcium don’t stop at strong bones - your heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Some studies even suggest that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health: perhaps protecting against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.
So, why not get the most out of your milk by complimenting it with a bit of Tequila? (probably best to avoid mixing them together, though).
Improved digestion :
Much like drinking Tequila, the biggest issue with eating too much is standing up afterwards. If you find this the case then try sipping a little Tequila post-dinner, it may be just what you need.
This is because Tequila contains dietary fibre, inulin. Add to this a large number of probiotics found in the fructans, which naturally occur in agave, and you can be certain your digestion is well on track.
Diabetes preventative :
Tequila’s inherent digestive benefits are clear, but could it go as far as to help restrict the chance of someone getting diabetes? Researchers from the American Chemical Society believe so.
This clever-clogs found that the sugar component of agave (again) in Tequila, actually helps to lower sugar levels - a key factor in preventing diabetes. This is great news for fellow imbibers suffering from this life-changing disease as it eases some of the inherent issues that they come across when drinking alcohol.
A better hangover :
But enough with the notable health benefits, the one question all drinkers want an answer to is, what drink will give you the best hangover? Well, it looks like Tequila once again comes to the rescue, with agave providing your body with a modest barrier from the all-too well-known consequences of a big night. But not so fast!
Before you start throwing back warm shooters of Jose Cuervo in your local student bar, you need to understand that most of the unique health benefits of Tequila are linked to its primary ingredient, blue agave. Unfortunately, not all Tequilas are made with 100% blue agave, so you’ll have to be careful about what you choose.
Currently, Mexican law only requires Tequila producers to use +50% blue agave in their spirits which have led some producers (Jose Cuervo in their Especial, for instance) to use the very minimum, 51%. Choosing one of these Tequilas not only means that you’re missing out on half the amazing flavour, but also half of the amazing health benefits!
In other words, if you’re looking for a tasty Tequila that also doubles as a miracle cure-all, then we strongly suggest you look for something a little purer.
One of our personal favourites is Casa Dragones Tequila. Made from 100% blue agave, this Tequila was labelled by Conde Nast’s Epicurious as “The best Blanco tequila around”, with a smoothness that challenges even the finest malt scotch. Simply put, this tequila is the epitome of easy sipping - and with health benefits like stronger bones and improved digestion, how can you say no?
Read More :
How To Choose The Right Online Pharmacy
Unhealthy And Healthy Solutions For Coping With Stress
Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms: Supplement The Deficiency Before It’s Too Late
