Chew Gum For A Better Brain
If you feel that as you grow older and your mind is slowing down, there are some quick fixes to jazz up your brain. The presence of cognitive decline or Alzheimer's not only accelerates aging, but also decreases the quality of those remaining years. Yet, there are some activities that we can perform to stave off brain ageing, for example the simple act of chewing gum. Before you get involved in an activity that requires some substantial brain activity, such as doing your taxes or helping a child with his homework, you can chew a stick of gum.
A study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that chewing gum can actually sharpen your thinking and improve your memory. Researchers tested 133 people, half of whom were given mint-flavored gum and the other half, fruit-flavored gum, and subjected them to mental tests to both stressful and calm settings. When they chewed gum, they were more alert and happier and their reaction times were quicker. In fact, when they chewed gum, their reaction times get faster as the tasks became more difficult. Chewing gum also improved their ability to focus on one activity for longer periods of time, all of which can help you power through unpleasant but mentally challenging tasks more quickly, like doing your taxes. In addition to a sharper mind, better memory, less stress, you also get fresher breath, improve dental health and have better digestion.
If fresh breath is not a concern, try snacking on a can of kippered fish (smoked herring). A serving of this deep-sea fish can pack more than 1.5 grams of the omega-3 fatty acids known to slow down plaque growth in arteries, reduced triglycerides, and lower the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. All of this, without the troubling worries over mercury and other heavy metals that accumulate in fish. That is because herring are low on the food chain that troublesome levels of these metals don't have a chance to accumulate in their bodies. So go ahead, grab a can, pull the tab and put it between 2 slices of whole wheat bread. Together with a banana, or fruit of choice, you will have a fast lunch full of brainfood.
In addition, it helps to take in more oxygen to the brain to help it function better. Learn to take frequent deep breaths through out the day. Do 4-6 counts of inhale and 4-6 counts of exhale, a few times a day. This will also help the lymphatic system to function better and to clear toxins from your body.
Deep breathing with simple body stretches will do wonders for your physical and mental health. If you sit around a lot in front of the computer, a simple stretching exercise is what I call the €Prayer Move€. Simply bring both flat palms together as if you are praying. Then turn slowly to the right, as much as you comfortably can. Then turn slowly to the left as much as you can, without overstraining. Do this a few times and you will feel that your body is less tight and you are less prone to backaches.
Better memory and mental health need not be a chore if you break it down to simple tactics which you can perform in 5-minute spaces for a sharper mind and healthier body.
A study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that chewing gum can actually sharpen your thinking and improve your memory. Researchers tested 133 people, half of whom were given mint-flavored gum and the other half, fruit-flavored gum, and subjected them to mental tests to both stressful and calm settings. When they chewed gum, they were more alert and happier and their reaction times were quicker. In fact, when they chewed gum, their reaction times get faster as the tasks became more difficult. Chewing gum also improved their ability to focus on one activity for longer periods of time, all of which can help you power through unpleasant but mentally challenging tasks more quickly, like doing your taxes. In addition to a sharper mind, better memory, less stress, you also get fresher breath, improve dental health and have better digestion.
If fresh breath is not a concern, try snacking on a can of kippered fish (smoked herring). A serving of this deep-sea fish can pack more than 1.5 grams of the omega-3 fatty acids known to slow down plaque growth in arteries, reduced triglycerides, and lower the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. All of this, without the troubling worries over mercury and other heavy metals that accumulate in fish. That is because herring are low on the food chain that troublesome levels of these metals don't have a chance to accumulate in their bodies. So go ahead, grab a can, pull the tab and put it between 2 slices of whole wheat bread. Together with a banana, or fruit of choice, you will have a fast lunch full of brainfood.
In addition, it helps to take in more oxygen to the brain to help it function better. Learn to take frequent deep breaths through out the day. Do 4-6 counts of inhale and 4-6 counts of exhale, a few times a day. This will also help the lymphatic system to function better and to clear toxins from your body.
Deep breathing with simple body stretches will do wonders for your physical and mental health. If you sit around a lot in front of the computer, a simple stretching exercise is what I call the €Prayer Move€. Simply bring both flat palms together as if you are praying. Then turn slowly to the right, as much as you comfortably can. Then turn slowly to the left as much as you can, without overstraining. Do this a few times and you will feel that your body is less tight and you are less prone to backaches.
Better memory and mental health need not be a chore if you break it down to simple tactics which you can perform in 5-minute spaces for a sharper mind and healthier body.
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