Food that makes you intelligent

(photo: Aidan O'Sullivan, flickr)

Did you know, that you can get more clever by eating chicken, beetroots, and chocolate? These foods are some of the key ingredients which the cookbook with brain diet titled “Food for Brains” are based on. It’s been compiled by chefs Mikkel Maarbjerg and Nicholas Kirk, in collaboration with two brain researchers from University of Copenhagen, professors Bente Kien and Jens Bo Nielsen.

Originally it was designed for children with cerebral palsy, but it can be used by anyone who wants to keep their brain in shape and optimize its ability to remember and learn. The book also highlights the importance of physical activity in combination with proper brain nutrition.

New research confirms that especially fatty fish is quite essential if you want to keep your brain in top condition. They contain DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for learning, both motoric and intellectually. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants also have a great effect on your brain functions.

But it’s not only the content of the food that works for your brain. Also, the temperature, texture, and appearance of the food stimulate the brain. For example, we become more alert and focused, if we eat or drink something cold, sour, spicy, crunchy or something with peppermint flavor. Conversely, something hot, sweet or smooth, has a calming and sedative effect on us.

“Brain Breakfast”

(photo: the book "Food for Brains)

Drained yogurt with blueberries and demerara (whole cane sugar)

Ingredients (1 person)

3 dl drained yogurt
30 g fresh blueberries
1 tbsp. demerara, preferably Muscovado
10 g (4-6) hazelnuts

Method

Put the drained yoghurt in a small bowl or glass. Spread blueberries and hazelnuts and scatter sugar on the top, so it becomes a small, festive and inviting meal. It is always important to make an effort to serve the food so that it’s presented beautifully, as it has a more appetizing appeal.

Tips

If you can not get fresh blueberries, you can use frozen blueberries, but then it requires that you boil them with sugar to a compote, which is cooled before use. Blueberries are definitely the most “interesting” for the brain, but in periods where blueberries can be difficult to get or cost too much, you can replace them with other “blue berries” such as blackberries or blackcurrants.

Enjoy!

Yum-yum for the brain

1. FISH – fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, and heering

Fish contain a mix of fatty acids that are beneficial for the brain and in particular seem to protect against blood clots in the heart and brain.

2. Berries – especially blueberries

So-called “brain berries”. The high content of flavonoids – antioxidants – protects the brain and is thought to postpone aging in different tissues, including brain. Tests have notably shown that consumption of blueberries make rats better find their way through a pyramid.

3. NUTS – especially Brazil nuts, walnuts, peanuts and almonds

Have a high content of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants, all of which affect brain function.

4. Chocolate – especially dark chocolate with high cocoa content

Produced from cocoa beans and is very rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants, which have been associated with reduced risk of heart attack and brain – and possibly also discourages the development of dementia.

… and further more…

The Book

is available in Danish in the SuperBest supermarkets.

Website to the book: www.foodforbrains.dk