Poor Man Survival
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A Digest of Urban Survival Resources
For a Sharper Brain, Eat These 4 Foods
We all know that a
strong cup of coffee can give us that extra mental boost we may need to
complete a brain-draining project or meet a tight deadline.
What works even
better: Strategic eating
is a healthful and reliable way to improve your ability to concentrate for the
long haul—not just for a few hours at a time when you’re hyped-up on caffeine.
There’s no single food
that will suddenly have you speed-reading a book in one sitting, but you can
improve your overall powers of concentration by including the following foods
in your diet…
• Eggs. When it comes to mental focus, it doesn’t get
much better than eggs! They’re a leading source of a nutrient called choline,
a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine—a key molecule of
learning.
Eggs (including the
yolks) also contain a variety of B vitamins, most of which have been stripped
from the refined carbs that are so ubiquitous in the typical American diet. In
particular, eggs are rich in vitamins B-6 and B-12, which are crucial for
carrying out most cognitive functions (three large eggs will give you about
half of your daily B-12 requirement)…and vitamin B-9 (also known as folate).
For optimal brain health,
include up to 12 eggs in your diet each week. While cholesterol in one’s diet
has only a minimal effect on blood levels of cholesterol, consult your doctor
for advice on appropriate intake of eggs if cholesterol is a concern.
• Mussels. Three ounces of mussels—which is a modest
serving—contain 20 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B-12 (that’s nearly 10 times
your daily requirement). Even a mild deficiency of this crucial brain-boosting
vitamin can impair concentration and lead to fuzzy thinking.
But that’s not all.
Three ounces of mussels will also give you 430 mg of docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA)—the equivalent of two to three typical fish oil supplement capsules. DHA
is a type of omega-3 fatty acid needed for healthy brain function. Mussels are
also loaded with zinc, a nutritional workhorse involved in more than 100
chemical reactions in the brain. Enjoy mussels twice a month
Don’t like mussels?
Other smart brain-boosting seafood selections include oysters (six oysters
deliver three to four times your daily zinc needs)…anchovies, which have more
omega-3s than tuna…and clams, which are an excellent source of vitamin B-12. Tasty
choices: Caesar salad with anchovies…clam chowder…or pasta alle vongole
(with clams).
• Beef. You’ve probably heard that eating too much red
meat is linked to heart disease and even some types of cancer. However, you can
minimize these risks and maximize your brainpower with a few small servings per
week.
Here’s why: Beef is a potent source of heme iron
(the most absorbable form), which is needed to transport oxygen through the
blood and to the brain.
What I recommend: Opt for grass-fed beef. It has fewer calories,
less fat and more nutrients (such as vitamin E) than conventional beef. Meat
from grass-fed animals has two to three times more conjugated linoleic acid
(CLA) than meat from grain-fed animals. CLA helps protect the brain by
counteracting the effects of harmful stress hormones.
Try to have grass-fed
beef once or twice a week—but give it a supporting role instead of making it
the star of your meal. Think grass-fed vegetable beef stew instead of a large
steak. Note: Even though grass-fed beef is more expensive than
conventional beef, you can save by opting for nontraditional cuts, such as beef
shank, stew meats and roasts. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, black beans are
an excellent substitute.
• Cruciferous
vegetables. Take your pick—the
list includes brussels sprouts, kale, arugula, bok choy, cauliflower and
collard greens. As members of the Brassica plant family, these veggies
contain sulfur-based anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect the brain.
One of these compounds, sulforaphane, has even been shown to improve
memory and learning after brain injury.
Aim for at least two
cups of cruciferous vegetables daily—I put that much in my kale-blueberry
smoothie every morning! Note: Consult your doctor before changing the
amount of leafy greens you eat if you take warfarin, a blood thinner,
since vitamin K–rich foods may interact.
Other good choices: Add purple cabbage to a stir-fry…or mash
cauliflower instead of potatoes and season with brain-boosting turmeric and
black pepper (to increase the absorption of turmeric).
Source: Drew Ramsey, MD, an assistant clinical
professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and
Surgeons in New York City. Dr. Ramsey is also coauthor of The
Happiness Diet: A Nutritional Prescription for a Sharp Brain, Balanced Mood,
and Lean, Energized Body and Fifty
Shades of Kale: 50 Fresh and Satisfying Recipes That Are Bound to Please.
Christina Sarich, Guest Author Waking Times
No matter how much money we use to grease the wheels of the U.S. system of education, (at least $8.3 billion for Common Core to date) we’ve failed our children. A new U.S. Department of Education study reveals that U.S. children rank 31st out of 35 developed nations in math. They didn’t fare much better in science, or reading literacy either.
Common core is to blame, but it is part of a wider network of disenfranchisement in order to keep your children stupid and shallow. Instead of yearning for knowledge, their interests are kept trivial. They can text three words, but not read an entire book, or do simple math.
If you assume that most people in our modern society have about 16 waking hours to use every day, with approximately 8 (or more) of them already spent on work or schooling, several hours commuting, making dinner, getting necessary household chores done, showering, getting ready for the next day etc., you are left with a precious few moments to learn the truth.
Here’s more proof. One Arkansas mother demolishes this educational ‘programming’ in about four minutes. After watching this you’ll better understand why U.S. children are ranked 31st out of 35 countries: See the video here:
Yours for a pleasant & productive
2017,
Bruce ‘the Poor Man’
NEW!
You Have a
16-Cylinder Brain-Learn How to Use It and Reawaken the Genius Inside You!
Additional
Resources
The Anatomy of a Breakdown
The Prepper’s Blueprint: The Step-By-Step Guide To Help You Through Any Disaster
Contact! A Tactical Manual for Post Collapse Survival
DIY-Homemade wood
stove
A Basic Spending Plan for Tough Times
Tips for creating simple budget to help control spending.
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1 comment:
What?! You mean I should give up Frito Lays? Say it 'aint so!
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