Not hungry? No time? Too tired? Sick of the same foods? All of these may be a reason you skipped breakfast this morning. Mom did not lie when she told you the most important meal of the day is breakfast. Skipping breakfast has an impact on not only your physical health, but psychological health as well. According to the American Heart Association, breakfast eaters tend to have lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol (Fortune Journals, 2017). Beyond just accepting that breakfast is important, have you ever sat back and analyzed how that healthy meal actually stimulates us throughout the day? What does that healthy meal entail? How am I ensuring that I get all the proper nutrients from my foods? Do not worry! I have some answers and tips on foods that ensure you have enough energy throughout the day.
Why is nutrition important for brain health?
Beyond physically having enough energy for the day, the nutrients that we get support our brain function too. Omega-3s are an important nutrient that you get from food to develop your cell walls and maintain a healthy body. Bodies are not able to produce omega-3s on our own so it is imperative that we get these nutrients through the foods we eat. Omega-3 is linked to cognitive development and better learning and memory. Also, proper amounts of omega-3 help to support blood flow to the brain and that in turn increases brain function like memory and lowers risk of developing dementia (Pearson, 2017). Overall, brain cells with high levels of omega-3 are better at communicating with other cells, which is an important process for brain function.
Now that we understand how foods and brain health are linked, how do we implement this knowledge into our diet? There are many foods that offer omega-3.
7 Foods high in omega-3s
- Nuts
- Blueberries
- Sunflower Seeds
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Berries
- Omega 3 Bars
Omega 3 Bars
Omega 3 bars are a smart choice when choosing a snack that supports brain function and health. With a delicious blend of chia seeds, flax seeds and oats packed with 1250 MG of omega-3s per bar, you get all that you need in one. They are all natural, gluten-free, and dairy free. Omega 3 bars help with memory, mood, and focus. They are a great grab and go option to get proper nutrients to fuel your day!
Sources
“Skipping Breakfast Everyday Keeps Well-Being Away.” Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research, Fortune Journals, 20 Dec. 2018, https://www.fortuneonline.org/articles/skipping-breakfast-everyday-keeps-wellbeing-away.html
“Omega-3 Fatty Acids Facts.” WebMD, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact sheet#091e9c5e802a1059-1-2
Mohiuddin, A. K. "Skipping breakfast everyday keeps well-being away." Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research1.1 (2018): 18-30.
Pearson, Keith. “How Omega-3 Fish Oil Affects Your Brain and Mental Health.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 5 Dec. 2017, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/omega-3-fish-oil-for-brain health#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4.
Gómez-Pinilla, Fernando. “Brain Foods: The Effects of Nutrients on Brain Function.” Nature Reviews. Neuroscience, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2008, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/