Sunday, 30 September 2012

Healthy Eating Can Really Cheer You Up

“One cannot think well, love well, and sleep well, if one has not dined well”. This quotation from Virginia Woolf ‘s A Room of One's Own seems to sum up what nowadays represents a widespread and commonsensical idea: the foods we eat can affect the overall way our body and mind operate, as well as the way we lead our lifestyle.

Healthy nutrition plays a crucial role in ensuring and maintaining a well and proper body functioning.  Food represents the main source of energy our body needs to work properly, to build new tissues and repair worn-out ones, as well as to regulate metabolism.

Eating the right foods and in the right proportions helps to optimize overall health and performance of both body and mind.

In fact, not only are certain kinds of food highly beneficial in preventing diseases such as diabetes, obesity and heart diseases, but they also have a positive impact on our mood and on the way our brain functions.

Some foods provide us with “good mood” nutrients, such as amino acids, vitamins and minerals necessary for the creation of the natural chemicals neurotransmitters , which convey messages between brain’s cells. The main neurotransmitters are serotonin and catecholamines, well known to play an important role in the brain's emotional center, boosting cheerful mood and increasing motivation, feelings, alertness and even creativity!

For instance, foods high in antioxidants, such as nuts, fish, broccoli, red fruits and vegetables and so on,  can help enhance and aid the “dialogue” between brain cells, their capabilities to exchange information  with each other.  They prevent the death of brain cells and encourage the generation of new ones, preserving the vitality of the brain. The result is a more stimulated cognitive functioning.

Finally, according to what experts at Psychology Today say,  we should “think color" when choosing what to eat, as “anything brightly colored is brain food, loaded with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that maintain brain health and enhance mental performance."

So, if you feel like giving a fresh, dazzling and creative shape and looks to your dishes, try to choose different kinds of healthy colored food and  “put a rainbow on your plate”, whose nice appearance will also stimulate your sight in a positive and pleasant way.

By Erica Romano   


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  2. if u eat healthy you'll stay healthy.. eating well helps the body function properly.. very well said
    Nutrition Food always keeps u fit and fine