Life Positive — January 2018

Leafy vegetables: When we have low levels of

iron in our system, we tend to become more

forgetful. Our best source of iron is leafy

vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, amaranth,

and dill leaves. These are high in iron and have

the ability to lower mental deterioration and

risks of dementia.

Coconut: Today, the whole world is talking about

the importance of coconut and its oil, something

that we in India have known and revered for

centuries. 70 per cent of the grey matter in our

brains is made up of fatty acids, which are found

in coconuts. It is no wonder that South India is

known for its brain power as coconut and its oil

are featured abundantly in their diet.

Coconut water: Coconut water is a natural

electrolyte filled with vitamins and minerals

that maintain your electrolyte balance. A low

electrolyte balance will cause one to feel

disoriented and weak, thus slowing brain

functioning.

Salt: Optimum intake of sodium (in the form of

salt) helps prevent short term memory loss and

confusion. However, rock salt and sea salt are

better options than table salt; so, switch over to

these in your food.

Water: Keeping yourself well hydrated is directly

proportional to your smooth cognitive functioning.

Water is your best option for hydrating yourself,

followed by coconut water. Water revives and

serves as the best ‘pick-me-up’.

Sunlight, exercise, and fresh air: It is

scientifically proven that these three

components are important to maintain and

improve brain function. Sunlight provides you

with much needed Vitamin D3, which makes

you feel fresh. Exercise keeps your brain active

and alert, while fresh air gives direct oxygen

to the brain, which is needed for its proper

functioning.

Strawberry and banana smoothie

Ingredients:

10–12 strawberries

1 banana

½ cup crushed ice

Method:

Mix all the ingredients in a blender and

serve chilled.

Walnut chutney

Ingredients:

1 cup walnuts, shelled

1/2 cup fresh curds, beaten

4–5 Kashmiri red chillies

1 tbsp raisins

Salt, to taste

Method:

Pound the walnuts and chilies together.

Mix curds, salt, and raisins well.

Add pounded walnuts and mix well.

Chill before serving.

Serve with sticks of carrots, beets, celery,

dry bread or as a replacement for pickles.

38 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2018^