Meals for Brain Function

Cognitive function and brain health impact all organs and body systems. Brain function determines a person’s ability to manage health issues, maintain an effective immune system, and cope with daily stressors. According to BMJ, “The human brain is the command [center] for the nervous system and enables thoughts, memory, movement, and emotions by a complex function that is the highest product of biological evolution.” A person’s mental and physical health is directly tied to brain health. LifeSpring Home Nutrition delivers weekly meals designed to improve brain function and overall health.

How Does Nutrition Impact Brain Function?

Healthy brain function requires proper nutrition to ensure the body has everything it needs to do the following:

• Create new neurons
• Maintain hormonal balances
• Strengthen neural membranes

The physical structure of the brain and a person’s emotional state are affected by diet. Individuals struggling with chronic or acute health conditions affecting the brain may benefit from eating meals tailored to their unique needs. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers meal plans focused on specific areas, including brain and heart health.

Weekly meal plans to improve brain function involve an all-around balanced diet rather than focusing on a few specific ingredients. According to Frontiers in Public Health, “There is evidence to support the ‘whole diet approach’ theory, i.e., a balanced diet, as a whole, rather than single nutrients is beneficial for brain health.” Ensuring people have access to regular nourishing meals reduces the risk of brain-related health issues.

What Foods Improve Brain Function?

The brain requires many essential vitamins and minerals to work effectively. Without access to a balanced diet, some people may begin to experience cognitive issues, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and more severe symptoms of mental or physical health disorders.

Foods that support brain function include:

• Nuts and seeds
• Salmon and other fish
• Legumes
• Dark, leafy greens
• Lean red meat
• Tomatoes
• Whole grains

According to the previously mentioned article from Frontiers in Public Health, “Mediterranean, Nordic, DASH, and MIND diets are linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia.” LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers meals that accommodate individuals who have found a diet that works best for their specific health concerns.

The Many Health Benefits of Fish

Fish is a primary source of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients essential for brain health. Docosahexaenoic acid is one of the most important fatty acids for brain health and is found in freshwater fish, including salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been linked to lower levels of beta-amyloid proteins in the blood. Amyloid proteins are the main component of amyloid plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Fish is an excellent source of vitamins D and B2, phosphorous, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers meals with salmon and types of fish served alongside whole foods.

Some of the known health benefits of eating meals with fish include:

• Improved memory and focus
• Decreased blood pressure
• Improved vision health
• Reduced inflammation

Fish also promotes heart health. According to the Department of Health (DOH), “The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times per week as part of a healthy diet.” People benefit from expanding their meals to regularly include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil to help improve the health of blood vessels. Whole foods like vegetables reduce people’s risk of experiencing a memory-damaging stroke or other health issues.

How Does Meal Planning Affect Brain Function and Overall Health?

Meal planning allows people to ensure all their foods for the week complement one another and provide the greatest balance of nutrients. Many people choose a specific type of diet to follow, facilitating meal planning. For example, the Mediterranean diet promotes better brain function and overall health. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), “The Mediterranean diet consists of vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, and at least three servings of fish each week.” People who plan their weekly meals to follow a specific diet often benefit in multiple ways. Diets supporting brain function may also improve heart health and reduce the risk of obesity and other health issues.

LifeSpring Home Nutrition Provides Tailored Meal Plans

The meals provided by LifeSpring Home Nutrition are tailored to each client’s individual needs. Weekly meal planning is more manageable when individuals have a variety of options. According to Cathleen Anthony, M.B.A., owner of LifeSpring Home Nutrition, “Our goal is to give quality services and meals to those who never thought they could afford a Dietitian or specialized meals.” Individuals who receive weekly deliveries choose from a range of foods carefully designed to improve brain function.

Fish is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Some of the delicious meals offered with fish include:

• Salmon fillet with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans
• Pecan-crusted tilapia filet with broccoli cuts and brown rice
• Salmon fillet with whole grain mustard sauce, potatoes, and broccoli

These are just a small handful of the meals available from LifeSpring Home Nutrition. Each one features a balanced mix of food groups to ensure people can access the nutrients they need to feel energized and healthy.

Many foods improve brain function and overall health, ensuring people get the right balance of vitamins and minerals. LifeSpring Home Nutrition provides weekly food deliveries to communities in California. People can choose from many types of meals, including ones designed to boost brain function. To learn more about our services and how to get meals delivered, call us today at (800) 798-5767.