Brain Food

Did you know that your brain is about 80 percent water? To keep it alert, it is good to drink water throughout the day.

Another type of food that feeds your brain is protein. Protein provides amino acids, which help produce dopamine and norepinephrine, and these are the neurotransmitters that help your brain stay focused and alert. Sources of protein include yogurt and cheese (hey, this sounds like dairy products!), animal foods (chicken, meat, fish and eggs), and for those of you who prefer vegetarian foods (beans, lentils, nuts and seeds).

Your brain also likes carbohydrates but too many carbs eaten at once will cause your brain to feel sleepy and sluggish. Carbs include grains, cereals, pasta, potatoes and other veggies. Carbs are important for body energy but eating too many, especially the sweet, sugary carbs from candy, honey, syrup, and table sugar, will cause your brain to want to take a nap!

Calcium, which comes from foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and spinach (yes, calcium also comes from green leafy vegetables!), aids with memory, as it produces a substance called calpain that cleans neurons' receptor sites. Other sources of calcium include soybean foods such as tofu, sesame seeds, nuts, and dried fruit.

And of course, while you don't exactly "eat" sleep, getting a good night's rest is also food for your brain. During sleep your brain consolidates the new learning that took place during the day. 

Cool Brain Facts 

Deep Inside Your Brain