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Mental health: 3 foods to make you brainier
Binge on these to boost your mental health
Ashwagandha
It is an ancient medical remedy used to protect our body from chronic stress. It helps in reducing the stress hormone – cortisol, further reducing anxiety.
Have one teaspoon ashwagandha powder with warm milk 30 minutes prior to bedtime.
Walnuts
These are the ultimate neuro-strengtheners that can keep your brain young, boost memory and prevent age-related cognitive decline. The B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids present in them are essential for the maintenance of the central nervous system. Walnuts can also be the key to a happier state of mind. They are rich in Vitamin E, that can be your natural mood elevator.
The amount of walnuts needed is realistic, too: six halves a day. Have them soaked; to rinse the phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors that make digesting unsoaked walnuts difficult.
Turmeric
This can reverse the effect of chronic stress. The active compound in turmeric – curcumin is effective in increasing the feel-good hormone – dopamine and serotonin, reducing depression-related symptoms and enhancing alertness.
You just need about half a teaspoon (2g to 3g) in a day, which is easily achievable through a typical Indian diet. Being fat-soluble, it is best to consume it cooked in tadka with black pepper or boiled in milk for best absorption.
Lovneet Batra is a clinical nutritionist based out of Delhi and is a consultant with Fortis Healthcare
From HT Brunch, April 21 , 2019
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