Sattvic foods like vegetables, nuts, honey etc in less quantity makes a perfect brain which gives rise to thoughts of love, peace, happiness and compassion. Rajasic and tamasic foods like non-vegetarian foods, deep fried vegetarian food, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, drugs etc make an unhealthy brain which gives rise to thoughts of violence, hatred, jealousy, frustration and self-centeredness. The brain deploys a large number of bio-chemicals which act is neurotransmitters, i.e., they stimulate neighboring neurons, facilitating the passage of impulses from one cell to the next throughout the nervous system. Of the few chemicals identified, one is serotonin, whose functions include sleep regulation and anxiety reduction.

Project in nutritional genomics NUGO is a new field that studies how genes and diet interact is sprouting around the globe. Europe is merging its efforts in the field by launching NUGO early next year, a network that aims to integrate and develop the new branch of research. In addition, there are international projects under way, such as Hap Map that focuses on studying the pattern of inheritance of single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs.

Unlike Drugs, effect of foods on mind is slow but sure. But unlike drugs which come as refined compounds and are administered in specific doses that have relatively short-acting effects, food, like genes, act in concert. UNESCO says since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the mind of men that defense of peace must be constructed. Wrong food is responsible for all the diseases of body and mind, which leads to violence and crime in personal life and war among nations. Mind is concretion of the food particles. As is our food, so will be our mind, intellect and behavior. As will be our mind, so will be our character and so will be our attitude towards others.

SOME BRAIN BOOSTERS THAT WORK ARE:

Vitamins A, E and C found in carrots, broccoli, nuts, green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, mustard oil and flaxseed oil. Strawberries, grapes, red cabbage and plums. Vitamin B12 maintains nerve cells, improves mood and memory. Folic Acid is essential for the body’s clearance of Homocysteine, a dangerous amino acid that may increase the risk of heart problems. Iron helps your brain function more efficiently, deficiency results in anemia which leads to reduced learning capacity. Vitamin B2 helps keep your alert and active. Vitamin B6 is good for a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B2 also improves concentration and memory. Vitamin C helps in absorbing iron, especially if you have it with a meal. A breakfast rich in carbohydrates and sugar, bread, milk, banana, fruit juice etc restocks dwindling glucose stores of the starved body and brain. Minerals are essential for functioning of the body. Skipping meals is damaging your body. Don’t skip meals, instead eat healthy.