Unlock Your Brainpower

Author: Vasu Nargundkar

Ayurveda, the ancient system of healing from India, describes three aspects to mental performance – "dhi" – learning and comprehension, "dhriti" – retention of knowledge, and "smriti" – memory or recall.

"For the best mental performance and realization of the fullest mental potential, each of these three factors individually needs to be at its peak, and, more important, the co-ordination among the three factors also needs to be optimal," says Rama Kant Mishra, Ayurvedic expert. Ayurveda recommends paying attention to the three fundamental pillars of good health – diet, sleep and lifestyle – to achieve this state of mental balance. Here are some tips from Mishra to help boost brainpower:

Eat pure, "intelligent" foods

"According to Ayurveda, it is very important to eat foods that are natural and pure for their full benefit to be absorbed by the body," says Mishra. When foods are as close to their state in nature as possible, that's when they deliver the most potent nutrition. Foods that have been genetically altered, processed or refined have much of their natural intelligence stripped from them, and Mishra contends that they disturb the intellect and the co-ordination between the three aspects of mental prowess – comprehension, retention and recall. Also taboo are foods that are canned or preserved with artificial additives and preservatives, or foods with artificial colors and flavors. "Cooking with fresh, organic ingredients can take a little more time and effort," agrees Mishra. "But your brain, and indeed your entire system will thank you for it and repay the effort with accelerated performance."

Maintain a supply of balanced nutrition

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