Brain food at the Mayday bar

Brain Food

Brain Food secrets

secret tip:

Always drink plenty during the day, preferably water or diluted fruit juices, because nothing impairs mental performance as much as dehydration!

Brain Food Menu

Caesar salad with grilled chicken skewers and almonds

Several long-term studies have confirmed a clear, dose-related reduction in deaths from heart attacks among people who eat nuts. In addition, almonds provide magnesium, which has a calming effect. They also contain an abundance of B vitamins, which are required in many places to ensure optimum functioning of the nerves and the brain.

Marinated white asparagus with walnut-chervil mousse and poached egg

Acetylcholine is a particularly important neurotransmitter for mental performance. Without it, we would have no conscious awareness whatsoever. Choline is a building block of acetylcholine. Some of it is produced by the body itself, and some is consumed as part of our diet. Choline-rich foods include egg yolk, legumes, and plant roots and bulbs. These foods have a measurable positive effect on short-term memory performance.

Cod with artichoke aligot and chorizo vinaigrette

For the brain and nerves to function well, it is essential that sufficient fatty acids are consumed. The fats of the brain cell membrane consist of monounsaturated fatty acids (around 50 percent) and, in particular, the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. DHA is commonly found in sea fish.

Buttermilk mousse with goji berry ragout and chocolate ice cream

Brain cells need energy – and lots of it. Although the brain makes up only two percent of our body weight, it needs around a quarter of the calories. That’s why the grey cells can occasionally be “fed” with chocolate, too, which has the added bonus of delivering mood-enhancing substances.

Addis Ababa iced tea with cranberry and yoghurt

Calcium, contained in yoghurt, is not just important for the bones, but also for cardiac rhythm and the correct functioning of muscles and nerves.

Sorrel-apple-raspberry smoothie

A lack of fluids can cause headaches. Ideally, you should supply your body with water by drinking 1-2 dl of water every 10 minutes. Or a vitamin-rich, low-sugar smoothie. Occasionally drinking a strong espresso with lemon juice can also help – but only without milk and sugar. The lemon juice enables the caffeine to be absorbed – and, thus, to react – much more quickly.

Spicy chicken noisettes with celery-quince salad and wild rice-pistachio granola

Quinces contain lots of pectin, which binds to cholesterol and heavy metals in the intestine, making them easier to excrete and thereby lowering the cholesterol level.

Parmesan soup with salsiccia, aubergine and cherry tomatoes

15 grammes of Parmesan provide just as much calcium as 2 decilitres of whole milk. It’s a well-known fact that calcium is needed for strong and healthy bones. But the body also requires this major mineral – the most important one in terms of quantity – to ensure nerves and muscles function correctly, and also for tissue repair.

Fried halibut with Jerusalem artichokes and Carpe Diem Kombucha Classic-radicchio purée and black walnuts

Several long-term studies in the US have confirmed a clear, dose-related reduction in deaths from heart attacks: eating more walnuts leads to less heart disease. So, bon appétit! Of those wishing to do something positive about their health should not ignore the walnut which is rich in fats as a mean of protecting the heart.

Chocolate mousse with rowan berries and maple syrup ice cream

Maple syrup consists of almost 60 percent sucrose (sugar), and 10 percent glucose and fructose. It also provides minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, zinc, iron, tin and copper. 75 grammes of maple syrup provides the same amount of sweetness as 100 grammes of sugar. This also helps to keep calories to a minimum.

Warm green tea-cappuccino with pineapple, lychee and pepper-milk foam

Lychees are particularly easy to digest and are also kind to the stomachs of those suffering from stress or worry. In addition, they are an excellent source of vitamin C, which aids blood circulation to the brain, among other things.

Orange-raspberry-coriander smoothie

As well as being an excellent source of vitamin C, oranges are rich in folic acid. This vitamin, which is often lacking in our diets, protects against cardiovascular disease and is important for the nerves.