While most of us manage to have healthy meals, finding the right snacks to please our taste buds and keep us full for longer can be a struggle. Hunger between meals makes us pick up packaged foods or have bread with jam or butter, which are all unhealthy and have little to no nutritional value. These also put those on a weight loss programme off track.
In his new post, neuroscientist Robert WB Love shared three, delicious healthy snacks that are great for your brain. These not only promote satiety but are also high in protein, fibre, magnesium, zinc, and other important nutrients, ensuring better brain function and overall health.
Pumpkin seeds are known to be nutritionally seeds. Even consuming a small amount of pumpkin seeds can offer many health benefits, as they contain high amounts of healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc.
Dr Love said, “Pumpkin seeds are rich in fibre that’s good for your gut bacteria. What’s good for your gut is good for your brain. They’re also rich in magnesium and zinc, both of which are great for your brain.”
It is better to soak or sprout them to reduce their phytic acid content. They are easy to incorporate into your diet and can be eaten raw or roasted. You can also add them to smoothies, Greek yogurt, and bowls of fruits. They can also be sprinkled on salads, soups or cereals.
Sardines are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, and iron. They are good for the brain, heart, bones, and muscles.
The neuroscientist said, “I eat this one almost everyday and love it as a snack. It is sardines. Sardines are rich in protein and they’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are fantastic for the brain and they are low in mercury. If you don’t like sardines, you can also do wild caught salmon or pickled herring. I like to get that from whole foods.”
Also Read: 10 Brain-boosting superfoods for kids: What to feed for better focus, memory & learning
Who doesn’t love chocolate? For a healthier option, Dr Love specifically recommended dark chocolate. “Undutched dark chocolate that is low in sugar. It has higher amounts of polyphenols, specifically flavanols. Research shows that consuming dark chocolate can help grow new brain cells,” he concluded. Eating it in moderation is advised, though.
1. What makes pumpkin seeds good for the brain?
Pumpkin seeds are rich in fibre, magnesium, and zinc, all of which contribute to better brain health.
2. How should I consume pumpkin seeds for maximum benefit?
You can eat them raw or roasted, or add them to smoothies, Greek yogurt, salads, soups, or cereals.
3. Why are sardines recommended as a brain-healthy snack?
Sardines are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for brain health.
4. Is dark chocolate really good for the brain?
Yes, undutched dark chocolate that is low in sugar contains polyphenols like flavanols, which can help grow new brain cells.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
