Celery and Green Peppers Work Wonders for the Brain

The brain is the man[or woman]; its health is essential for normal living; its disorders are surely the most profound of human miseries; and its destruction annihilates a person humanly, however intact his [her] body. H. Chandler Elliott

Want to stay sharp on the job as you age? Celery and green peppers rank high amongst foods that impact brain health. Here's how... These two green veggies contain flavonoids that disrupt inflammation in your brain. Findings from recent research show hope for the aging brain and particularly to help ward off diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Hmmm... seems easy enough to include more green peppers and celery in our weekly menu.

Consider this... According to the University of Illinois researchers,

Inflammation can be a blessing or a blight. It is a critical part of the body's immune response that in normal circumstances reduces injury and promotes healing. When it goes awry, however, the inflammatory response can lead to serious physical and mental problems. Inflammation plays a key role in many neurodegenerative diseases and also is implicated in the cognitive and behavioral impairments seen in aging.

Neuroinflammation can inhibit learning and memory controlled by the hippocampus. The brain's hippocampus is very vulnerable to the effects of aging. Celery, peppers and other flavonoids provide potential to decrease production of inflammatory cytokines in the brain. Not only does it prosper the brain, it opens a pathway to greater heart and vascular health as well.

To work for rather than against your brain and overall health, adding more flavonoids to your diet just makes sense. Other foods rich in flavonoids include:

Red, blue, and purple berries; red and purple grapes; red wine

Citrus fruits and juices, e.g., oranges, grapefruits, lemons

Apples

Yellow onions, scallions

Kale, broccoli, parsley, thyme, celery, hot peppers. green peppers

Soybeans, soy foods, legumes

Teas (green, white, black and oolong)

Chocolate

I'll be adding more flavonoid rich foods to my weekly grocery list. Look for the freshest produce to get full benefit from fruits and vegetables. I'd recommend Wegman's produce department or farmer's markets to get the best.

Stay sharp on the job as you age!