If you are following my blog you know that I am trying to lose weight. I am always looking for advice and words of wisdom to help me reach my goal. I want to lose weight for several reasons. For improved health, to increase my energy level, and to enhance my appearance. A recent article I read suggests my brain may be playing a big part in my struggle with weight.

Our brains produce dopamine. This is what we need from our brains to maintain appropriate weight numbers. It helps to stimulate our metabolism. The more dopamine we have the faster our metabolism works and the faster we can lose weight. If we do not have enough we gain weight, have low energy and become depressed. We also need an appropriate amount of dopamine to prevent disease.

There are several foods we can eat that will help our brains produce dopamine. Protein is very important in this process. Eating eggs, fish and red meats are very good sources of protein. In organic form these foods are even better in boosting this brain function. Thus helping increase the ability to lose weight.

Red beets have amino acids in them that can help bring our level of dopamine up. They also are powerful with their anti-depressant benefits.

Apples are another food that can help with weight loss. Apples contain antioxidants, which can help with prevention of disease and increase our dopamine level. Remember organically grown apples are safer and more nutritious.

Watermelon is a good source of B-6. This little vitamin is very beneficial to dopamine production. Getting your vitamins from food instead of supplements is a bonus for your health.

Dopamine production is another good reason to eat cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kale). These vegetables contain folate which encourages the brain to produce more dopamine.

Fruits such as bananas, strawberries,prunes and blueberries are high in tyrosine. This is one of the main amino acids that helps produce dopamine.

Taking a multivitamin daily that contains vitamins E, C and B can further increase the production of dopamine. Incorporating herbs such as red clover, ginkgo biloba, peppermint, and dandelion can also be beneficial to dopamine production.

It appears our brains directly effects our weight. Maybe increasing the foods that gives assistance to the brain can help anyone struggling to lose weight. I did notice that cookies, cakes, candy, ice cream, sugars and artificial sweeteners were not included in the list of dopamine boosting foods. Hmm…very interesting.

Follow the link below to see complete listing of helpful information on this subject.

http://www.naturalnews.com/036986_dopamine_brain_chemical_metabolism.html