We all know that the brain is one of the main organs of our body, and just like other parts, it needs the proper nutrition to keep it healthy and in optimum function. While your body needs nourishment, there are specific foods that are made particularly for your brain. Your memory health has something to do with the food you consume so it is important that you know what are those that can benefit your brain power the most. And the good news is, you can grow them in your garden.
Lose the pounds, gain more for the brain
Another thing that may motivate you to improve your brainpower is that its specific set of diet can also help you lose weight. This is because most foods for the brain are plant-based and are proven to be great for weight loss.
Losing weight the proper way, and being fit not only can help you reduce the risk of stroke, lessen your cholesterol levels, and prevent heart attack, it also improves your memory as well. This is according to a recent study about the correlation between weight loss and the memory functions of the brain.
Benefits of Growing Your Own Plants
Regardless of the size of your garden, you may want to consider growing plants that are good for our brain health. We have a list of some plants that can be grown in most conditions that you can begin at any time. But first, here are some benefits that growing your own plants can bring to you :
Growing your own plants can give you fresh food supplies, sometimes even more than you would expect. If you think that you don’t have time to do it, then think again, and you’ll be surprised.
Gardening and growing your plants are proven to relieve stress and help you relax.
The physical activity that can bring about by gardening can be enjoyable.
Since it is a physical activity, gardening is another form of exercise that can improve your mobility, flexibility, and endurance.
The process of growing your own plants can teach you the value of patience and you’ll appreciate nature as well.
Gardening can be easy with an effective water system and do this with the best retractable garden hose available in the market today.
What to plant grow in your garden
Herbs are good for salads and can add aroma and flavor to meals when used as an ingredient or as a garnish. You can also plant certain fruits and vegetables which can be consumed raw or cooked. Below are some of the brain foods that can grow in your garden:
Rosemary
To get you started, this herb is relatively simple to plant and grow. Any meat dish can be complemented by Rosemary, but if not, this herb is also good with basil pesto sauce.
Benefits to the brain –
Rosemary has been traditionally consumed as a booster for the brain. Recent studies also indicated that this herb aids in mental alertness and long term memory retention.
Rosemary and Garlic Butter Recipe –
This recipe can be used for meat toppings, vegetable fry, and spread. You’ll be needing:
2 cloves of mash garlic
1 teaspoon of salt and pepper
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
½ teaspoon of chopped rosemary
4 ounces of butter (room temperature)
Mix the first four ingredients, then gradually add and mash the room temperature butter.
Blend well until the consistency is similar to a spread. Place into a wax paper, form into a log then wrap thoroughly. Chill, refrigerate or freeze for future use.
Beans
Beans, any variant, are also recommended as they also grow easily, regardless of the size of your garden. Beans are also productive and that can motivate you in gardening.
Benefits to the brain –
The brain is a muscle and beans is its muscle development food. Beans also contain choline, a nutrient that helps in the production of the brain’s neurotransmitters.
Green Beans with Rosemary and Garlic Butter Recipe
This recipe is easy to do and you’ll only be needing :
Fresh green beans snapped in two, 1 pound
3-4 tablespoons of Rosemary and Garlic Butter
1 tablespoon of lemon (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
In a medium skillet, bring to boil green beans, then simmer until soft. Remove from heat
and drain water. Bring beans back to low heat and add the Rosemary and Garlic Butter. Stir
and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until butter is melted, then add lemon (optional).
Season with salt and pepper
Tomatoes
The best thing about tomato plants is that the small ones are proven to pack with bigger flavors. Tomatoes can ideally grow in decks, patios, and small gardens.
Benefits to the brain –
Tomatoes have lycopene, a known antioxidant that shields the brain from free radical cell damage. In addition, mood-enhancing vitamins magnesium and folate can also be found in tomatoes.
Parmesan Roasted Tomatoes Recipe –
For this recipe, you’ll be needing :
¼ – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
A pinch of dried oregano
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
A Pinch of garlic
6 medium tomatoes horizontally sliced into 12-14 pcs., around 1/2-inch-thick
Salt and pepper to taste
While preheating the oven at 425°F, prepare a baking sheet on a baking tray. Mix oregano, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Put olive oil to the mixture and blend well.
Place tomato slices on baking sheet, then top about ½ tablespoon of Parmesan mixture on each slice. Bake for 20 minutes or less. Best served when hot.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the best and healthiest spices that you can grow in your garden. Ginger can benefit both the body and brain with its powerful nutrients.
Benefits to the brain –
Ginger improves overall brain function and helps to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s Disease
Ginger Root Tea Recipe –
For its ingredients, prepare :
1 1/2 to 2 cups of water
2 tablespoons of peeled and thinly sliced ginger root
1 to 2 tablespoons honey to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
Boil the water with ginger for about 10-12 minutes. Turn off heat then add the honey and lime juice. Best served when piping hot.
Blueberries
Blueberries are low in calories, highly nutritious, sweet, and you can grow this superfood in your home garden.
Benefits to the brain –
This superfood, when taken regularly, can help improve memory and cultivate overall brain function.
Blueberry Pancakes Recipe –
For this recipe, you’ll need :
1 1/2 cups store brought pancake mix
2 eggs
1 cup skim milk
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Preheat a nonstick pan over low to medium heat. Place pancake mix in a medium-sized bowl. Mix milk and eggs together in a separate bowl, then pour the mixture onto the pancake mix. Stir and mix until a batter consistency is met.
Pour ¼ cup of the batter into the pan then sprinkle with blueberries depending on the preferred amount. Flip only when bubbles pop out on the surface, then cook until the other side is browned.
There are still several plants that you can plant in your garden for the benefit of your brain health. These plants can thrive in most conditions, and you don’t need really need a big garden to do this. All you need is the sun, proper water system, and your effort.