With Summer just around the corner, it makes sense that June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month. The United Fresh Produce Association (UPFA) created this national day in 1991 to increase consumption and access to fresh fruits and veggies across the United States. The UPFA supports schools and community nonprofits to educate children about proper nutrition and give them access to fresh produce.
Research studies have shown eating healthier foods can improve students’ brain function by helping them focus, think clearly and be physically active. This fact doesn’t change as children grow into adults.
Your brain never sleeps.
Ponder this fact. Your brain is always on, 24/7/365, as it makes sure your heart continues to beat, signals your lungs to breathe, opens your eyes to see, and more. The brain works hard to keep you alive and requires the right kinds of food to function properly.
What you eat affects your brain.
You’ve probably heard from your doctor or the American Heart Association that eating lean meats, beans, nonfat foods, fish, nuts, etc. is good for your heart. When your heart is in good health, you feel good because the heart is pumping enough blood and oxygen throughout your body. The brain needs healthy foods, too. When you feed it with fresh fruits and veggies, the brain works to help you think clearly, remember more things, maintain balance, and more. The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables nourish and protect your brain.
Eating healthier has many benefits.
If eating healthier foods isn’t appealing, ask yourself these questions: After lunch are you ready for a nap or energized to finish that project? Do you often feel irritated? Do you have trouble staying focused? Foods that are high in calories, saturated with fats, loaded with carbohydrates and sugars not only impact your waistline but also your brain.
Give yourself and your brain a gift by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. When you go to the grocery store or a local farmers market buy these foods packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants:
Take care of your brain and it will take care of you.
Your brain is the reason you can talk, walk, think, breathe, feel, sleep, and more. So, feed it with fresh fruits and veggies and your body will thank you for it.
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