GRASS FED BEEF AND LAMB

If you are concerned about getting more omega-3s in your diet, you should buy beef and lamb that have been grass fed.  Research shows that grass-fed beef and lamb both deliver more omega-3s than do their grain-fed counterparts. 

BE CAREFUL ABOUT ELIMINATING BEEF FROM YOUR DIET

There is a reason we have so many different types of foods and one should be careful about eliminating any one particular food from one's diet.  Beef has often gotten a bad rap, and many avoid it in their diets.  But as I repeatedly state on this blog, never eliminate a food on a permanent basis without discussing it with your doctor. There are many reasons your doctor may feel you need to eliminate certain foods for various health reasons. However, it should be discussed with your doctor. Again, I repeat, eat everything in moderation for a healthy balanced diet and choose the low-fat versions. Would you believe red meat is brain food?  Red meat contains heme iron, the most absorbent form of iron.  The brain needs a constant flow of oxygen to operate, and oxygen depends on having iron.  Red meat helps to maintain the iron needed for our blood cells to keep that oxygen flowing to the brain.

Red meat is also a good source of vitamin B12, one of the components needed for our happiness quotient.  It is also one of the very best sources of zinc.  Research suggests that good zinc levels improve academic performance!

When possible, buy grass-fed beef and you will get 300 to 500% more CLA (conjugated linoleic acid - increases blood flow to the brain) than you will with conventional beef.

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BUTTER FOR THE BRAIN

Continuing on the theme of the last few days, today's post is on butter and it's effect on your happiness.  Yes, butter, especially from grass-fed cows, does contribute to your happiness.  First and foremost, this is not to say you should start smothering your food in butter; absolutely not!  When it comes to food, moderation is always the key!  In other words, throw out the artificial margarine and add a little butter to your food on a daily basis because butter is a brain food.  Consider:

• Butter has vitamin A which is used to promote the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine that are the key players in mood and memory.
• Vitamin D is present in butter (see the previous post for benefits to your happiness).
• Vitamin B12 is also in butter (again, see the previous post for benefits).
• If possible, buy butter from grass-fed beef.  This adds the critical omega-3 fatty acids which help to keep down inflammation and promotes the growth of new brain connections.  This butter also contains higher levels of a special fat known as CLA or conjugated linoleic acid which increases blood flow to the brain, extends the life of brain cells, and counteracts the effects of the stress hormone cortisol.

Foods have a positive effect your health when used in small amounts on a consistent basis.  Gorging on a particular food once in a while is not helpful and often can be harmful.  Use a small amount of butter daily, not gobs of it when you want.

Not a brand endorsement. 

Used for reference only.

HAPPINESS AND FOOD

What you eat does affect your happiness!  Food is what fuels everything about your body and what you eat controls your body from head to toe!  Food is directly linked to three areas of brain function that create our ability to be happy!  The first is the capacity to think, focus, plan, and remember - what we will call "foods for thought."  The second is emotional regulation - foods for good mood.  The third is the ability to control anxiety and the power to push through to a deadline, etc - foods for brain energy.  Yes, what you eat does control all these parts of your life.  Here are some ways you can control these areas.

• Cut back on eating processed foods.  Most processed foods are loaded with sugar.  Too much sugar contributes to shrinkage of key brain areas involved in mood regulation.
• Eat more whole-grains, vegetables, and fruits.  Plant foods contain minerals and phytonutrients that are scientifically known as the "Essential Elements of Happiness."  These consist of vitamins A, B12, D, E, Folate, iodine, magnesium, calcium, iron, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.  These are substances the brain needs to function optimally.
• When possible, opt for grass-fed meat.  Grass fed meat typically has more omega-3s.  Omega-3s promote formation of new brain connections.
• Eat a variety of whole foods.  Branch out and eat healthy foods you may not particularly enjoy or are not used to.  Keep variety in your diet so you don't "burn out" on the healthy foods you eat.  Remember this; the greater range of whole foods you eat, the broader the range of brain-boosting nutrients your diet will contain to help your brain keep you happy!

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