Fun While Feeding the Family: Planting Summer Fruits and Vegetables

Planting Vegetables and Fruits For Health and Wellness

Are you looking for something educational and healthy to do with the family this summer? Why not grow your own vegetables and fruit in a smart garden meant to benefit your brain? Growing excellent food and getting your hands dirty with the kids is the perfect way to teach health and wellness.

Benefits of a Healthier Brain

Feeding your brain the nutrients it needs to remain healthy is important for several reasons. For one thing, it makes you more productive. You're able to get more done at work, to think faster on your feet and to remember things more clearly. Your communication skills will be better as well since a healthy brain allows you to listen better and to find your words easier. Finally, when your brain is healthy, your vision is sharper, and your reaction time is quicker.

The Best Nutrients for Your Brain

To remain healthy and productive, your brain requires five specific nutrients. Each nutrient provides different benefits.

• Phytonutrients: Phytonutrients are anti-inflammatories and may enhance immunity or repair damage to the DNA done by toxins. 
• Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 creates better cognitive function. It lowers the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and helps to prevent memory loss.
• Omega-3: These fatty acids are essential for brain function and development throughout every stage of life. Some studies show that pregnant women who take omega-3 acids birth children who score higher on intelligence tests.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin E are good for the brain as well. Flavonoids prevent memory decline in older adults, and vitamin E prevents the development of white matter lesions.
• Water: Water improves concentration, balances your moods, and improves the flow of oxygen to the brain, among other benefits.

The Best Fruits and Vegetables for Your Brain

Dark and leafy greens are some of the best vegetables you can grow for brain health. In California, gardeners can easily grow lettuce and spinach, which contain high levels of B12. Beets are another excellent crop to grow and produce plenty of anti-inflammatory antioxidants that boost blood flow to the brain and help to improve brain performance. Other popular and healthy vegetables to grow in the state include peppers, squash, cucumbers and radishes.

You have just as many options when it comes to fruit. Avocado trees are becoming quite popular in California and just one can produce about 200 avocados per season. Watermelon is also popular, easy to grow and, of course, full of water. Many vitamins are available in berries, too. Try planting blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries this season.

Fruits and vegetables may be good for your brain, but regular checkups are important, too. Learn how Sackett & Associates Insurance Services can help you by providing health insurance coverage. You can also find us on Facebook and LinkedIn or subscribe to our blog.