Joel Lewinsohn
Instructor: Brenda McKinney
Course #:ED549G
Course name: Happiness Diet
Date: 5/7/2014
Level: 500
Assignment #6
Assignment #6: In a 1-2 page paper, explore focus foods and why you need them for a sharper mind Read pages 83-97 to learn about the top five focus foods. done Check out the idea that you can eat eggs, beef and milk. Does this contradict what you have previously learned? Watch Dr. Drewʼs at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v25cLBqysxkvideo on grain fed beef. Has this changed your thinking? No, I’ve always know I can eat eggs, beef, and milk, however, it was always advised to not eat too many in the week. What I didn’t know is about all of the benefits for these products, nor the importance of grass fed, free range animals. Explain why eating meat is good for the brain and why we have been misled? Meat is an excellent source of vitamin B12 and Iron, with fish being a great source of omega 3. All of these elements are essential to learning and brain function. I believe we’ve been misled because the quality of our meat has really taken a downward turn and is not as beneficial to our development due to all of the chemicals and lack of nutrients present. Additionally, there has been a lot of hype around fat in meat. Meatless alternatives have been touted, yet supplements are not absorbed as well due to their unnatural state, which the body does not recognize. Discuss the brain sharpening foods. Why are they so critical for overall health and mood control? There are numerous brain sharpening foods that can be categorized as (1) eggs, beef, and milk; (2) crucifers; (3) citrus; (4) berries; and (5) anchovies. The benefits of eggs, beef, and milk are to provide omega 3s for brain health and essential fats for brain function. The brain is comprised of about 60% fat, so good fats are essential for it to work properly. Crucifers such as brussel sprouts support our immune system to prevent infections. Citrus is provides Vitamin C and provides antioxidents to rid the body of toxins. Berries protect the neurons that support feeling and
memory Anchovies are a top source of numerous elements essential to brain function. Surprisingly, anchovies are kind of a super food, which I would never have guessed! What would be the critical “take-away” information for happiness/mood in your own life? Well, I think I need to figure out a way to add anchovies and sardines into my diet. It is not a food I have really thought to much about eating on a regular basis. I know that citrus and berries are essential to my diet, but I now need to find fresh sources of these items so that I am not adding more chemicals to my diet. Check out Dr. Amen and his top seven foods. How does this compare with the focus list you have studied? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWtNjnwGIL8. Both doctors recommend meat products for the healthy fats needed for the brain. Dr. Amen focused on foods high in fiber, which was not on the list from the Happiness Diet. Both of them recommended eating whole foods such as citrus and berries, but Dr. Amen coined it as “eat from the rainbow, choose foods of different colors”. The Top 100 reasons to avoid processed foods scattered throughout each chapter. Of the 11 listed in this section, which ones will have the most profound effect on your personal idea of healthy eating? #43 discussed soy-derived products as being linked to cognitive decline and brain atrophy. I am quite surprised by this as soy has been such a popular alternative to meat. I’m going to do a little more research into this. Send to instructor: bbbrain@comcast.net. Subject line to read ʻHappinessʼ #6..