Brain

Discover how to enhance mental performance, beat brain fog, increase IQ, decrease cravings and boost mental health with foods, supplements, gear, training and more.

Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Pros and Cons of Plantains

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Though a type of banana, plantains are considered more of a vegetable for cooking because of the starchier and practically neutral taste when unripe, quite unlike dessert bananas which have a sugary flavor. Believed to have originated from Malaysia and from there spread to the other parts of the Malay Archipelago, plantains eventually were brought to Africa and then to the New World. Now widely available in the United States, this makes plantains easy to incorporate into one’s diet. However, eating plantains in reasonable amounts should be considered, especially by individuals who have specific weight or disease management goals.

Continue reading and discover more about the pros and cons of plantains and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends moderate use of this vegetable.

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Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Benefits of Sardines, Anchovies or Haddock in Water or Olive Oil

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

When thinking of sardines or anchovies, you’re likely to picture small fish packed in a can or bottle. It’s said that sardines were the first type of fish to be canned. This happened in France during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte. It was also during this period that the canning process was first developed as a food security solution for both the military and the general populace.

But these types of fish have long been part of the human diet. During the time of the Roman Empire, for example, citizens enjoyed a kind of fermented fish sauce made from anchovies called garum. This is not really surprising as fish in general are a good source of protein. Plus they have the advantage of not having the riskier types of fatty acids and high amounts of cholesterol, unlike the meat of domesticated land animals.

Read on and learn about the health benefits of sardines, anchovies or haddock and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid strongly recommends you add this source of protein in your diet. Continue reading →

Achieve Your Goals with Visualization and Focus

Posted on by Morris Brossette

Most athletes spend thousands of dollars on equipment and training for an Ironman. Many fancy gadgets are purchased, nutrition tips and tricks are implemented, and much time is spent training for the event. However, two extremely important components of any training program that are often overlooked are visualization and focus.

When it pertains to endurance training and racing, I have athletes focus on two parts of visualization – crossing the finish line, and being strong on the hills or running strong with perfect form. These are two very important points of visualization to have during a race. You see, your mind is a VERY powerful tool. Keep reading to learn how visualization and focus can help you reach your goals. Continue reading →

Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Pros and Cons of Grapes

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Grapes have long been a part of the human diet. The fruit has been cultivated for at least as long as it has been fermented and turned into wine which is a practice that goes back 8,000 years.

Currently around 75,800 square kilometers of land from around globe is being used to cultivate this fruit. About 71% of production is for wine grapes, 27% for table grapes and 2% for dried fruit. This clearly shows the commercial importance of this fruit.

The nutritional profile of grapes has received much attention from researchers. Various phytonutrients from the common beta-carotene to less frequently occurring substances like resveratrol have been identified. The health benefits of the latter have been the focus of recent studies regarding the fruit.

Along with the benefits, some health risks also need to be considered in order to effectively take advantage of what the fruit has to offer. Continue reading and find out the pros and cons of grapes. Continue reading →

Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Benefits of Bananas

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Bananas are just one of those fruits that are so apparently beneficial to the human body that it isn’t surprising how long it has been cultivated and distributed widely across various parts of the world.

It is said that the fruit was brought to the American continents from West Africa by Portuguese sailors in the 16th century. But long before that, possibly as far back as 5000 B.C., bananas had already been domesticated in Southeast Asia. It is in this region as well as in some parts of Africa that numerous varieties of bananas originated and some of them still thrive today.

The Superhuman Food Pyramid fully recommends bananas because they can help keep your heart, brain, and stomach healthy. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of bananas. Continue reading →

Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Negative Effects of MSG

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

MSG is short for monosodium glutamate. It is a food additive that is commonly used in condiments such as soy sauce and is also a constant flavoring ingredient in Chinese dishes.

The term umami is a Japanese loanword that roughly means “savory” and is the word used to describe the taste of MSG or any dish that is laden with this distinct flavor. The taste is ascribed to the glutamate component of this food additive. The tongue actually has receptors for this specific compound which differentiates umami from the other basic tastes.

In the early years of its production MSG was made by hydrolyzing wheat gluten. A second method used afterwards was direct synthesis of MSG component substances through the use of acrylonitrile, a chemical used in the fiber industry. Today the food additive is made through bacterial fermentation. The glutamate is filtered from the amino acids secreted by the bacteria and then sodium is added at a later stage.

The Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends that you avoid including MSG in your diet. Despite its tempting flavor, there are certain health risks that MSG components can present.

Read on to know about the negative effects of MSG and why it won’t help you Become Superhuman. Continue reading →

What Is Your Most Productive Time Of Day?

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

What is your most productive time of day?

Find out in this infographic from Ben Greenfield, click here to bring the infographic up to full size in a new window, and access the full article with more details by going to “Which Time Of Day Is Most Productive?”

What Is Your Most Productive Time Of Day?


So what about YOU? What is your most productive time of day? Or is it now something different than you thought? Leave your questions, comments and feedback below.

How To Have Superhuman Nerves And Avoid Choking When Under Pressure

Posted on by Dr Jeff Banas

You may or may not be a golfer, but here’s an example of why what you’re about to learn in this article is important…

Just image you’re in a high-stakes golf tournament.

Make this two-foot putt and you win your first major tourney.

You walk up to the ball and you tell yourself to relax. You focus on getting your grip just right. You’re thinking about all the things your coach said. You’re thinking about your grip, your stance, and you’re worried about all the bad things that are going to happen if you miss this shot.

You’ve practiced this putt thousands of times, but now the pressure is on and everyone is watching you. You’re sweating and freezing up. You swing the club. “SMACK!”

The ball goes flying 6 feet past the hole. “Choke!”

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Get Early Bird Access to the “Become Superhuman” LIVE Event with Ben Greenfield!

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

For the past two years, I’ve been secretly planning a live conference where you can come learn from the best-of-the-best in the realm of health, fitness, nutrition – and discover how to truly look, feel and perform the way you’ve always wanted to.

And I’ve got good news – the conference is officially scheduled for March 8 & 9, 2013, in Spokane, Washington as the “Become Superhuman” LIVE Event with Ben Greenfield.

That’s right –  I’ve lined up a world-class series of speakers in performance, fat loss, recovery, digestion, brain, sleep and hormone optimization to descend upon the Pacific Northwest for the most epic health and fitness conference ever. Since I’m still finalizing contracts, I can’t yet reveal the speaker identities, but let’s just say that you’re going to get to personally learn from some of the biggest doctors, experts and gurus that have ever been on my podcast – up close and in-person.

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Get Peak Mental Performance By Protecting Your Brain From Electromagnetic Radiation

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

I’m just now finishing the book “Zapped” by Anne Louise Gittleman.

While I have for some time been aware of concepts such as electric radiation, dirty electricity and, electric pollution and electromagnetic radiation, I’m really floored by some of the well-researched concepts in this book, and taking some definite steps to protect myself and my family.

I can’t believe how much of this stuff flies under the radar, pun intended. I’m going to get Anne onto my podcast, but in the meantime, you can take this free quiz to see how much radiation exposure you actually get.

Her book has some fairly impractical advice. But some of it is practical and easily implementable.

So here are some of the steps I’m taking, with a total investment of about $500-600 to shield myself from nasty effects of electrical fields, such as fuzzy thinking, joint aches, and cancer risks:

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