Your brain health is important. In fact, it’s so important that you should be doing everything you can to support it. One way to do this is by eating foods that are good for your brain. Below we will list 10 of the best foods to eat for a healthy brain!
1. Blueberries:
These are packed with antioxidants and can help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals. Research has shown that eating blueberries improves memory and cognitive performance. It’s easy to up your intake of these little powerhouses: simply add them to breakfast cereal, snacks, salads or smoothies for a delicious treat that will benefit your whole body, including your mind.
2. Salmon:
The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon can help improve your memory and focus, making it one of the best foods to eat for a healthy brain. There is strong evidence linking antioxidant-rich salmon to healthy cell production and lessened inflammation in the brain, which in turn can help improve mental clarity, energy levels, and focus.
3. Nuts & Seeds:
Walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds are all great sources of Vitamin E, which helps protect against cognitive decline as we age. In addition to providing essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and fiber, eating a variety of nuts and seeds on a regular basis helps to promote a better functioning nervous system and can even help to reduce stress levels.
4. Avocados:
This creamy fruit is high in monounsaturated fats that are good for your heart and can also help improve blood flow to your brain which improves brain function. Avocados also contain folate, an important vitamin that has been linked to improved memory performance among older adults as well as school-age children.
5. Kale & Spinach:
Leafy greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help prevent inflammation in the brain which is linked to cognitive decline. For those looking for an edge when it comes to staying sharp, incorporating a generous helping of either of these nutrition-rich foods into their diet may very well be the key to success.
6. Dark Chocolate:
Cocoa flavanols found in dark chocolate have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, improving alertness and decreasing stress. Not only does dark chocolate have these positive effects on the brain but it also seems to have beneficial consequences for overall health, such as reducing one’s risk for diabetes and heart disease. The key with dark chocolate however is that you need to get the kind that has at least 80% cocoa solids or higher.
7. Turmeric:
The spice, which is derived from the root of the turmeric plant, has been used as a medicinal treatment for centuries and is now known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Tumeric may help protect against cognitive decline and neurological diseases, in addition to promoting healthy body and mental functions. Regular consumption of tumeric helps to increase circulation in the brain, reduce inflammation, and increase focus -all essential components to a healthy mind and body. So, why not incorporate more tumeric into your diet?
8. Eggs:
Eggs are an often overlooked source for great brain health. High in iron, protein and B vitamins such as folate, consuming eggs can help to protect against age-related cognitive decline as well as many other deficiencies. Studies even show that incorporating eggs into your breakfast encourages better mental performance throughout the day. Not only do they contain the essential antioxidants our brains need, but they also have been found to feed our bodies with critical amino acids that boost neurotransmitter efficacy! Eating eggs can be a helpful ingredient in a healthy lifestyle, not only benefiting our brains but regulating other bodily functions too.
9. Green Tea:
Recent studies suggest that green tea can improve cognitive abilities, making it an effective tool for keeping your brain sharp. A key component in green tea is the catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which stimulates the growth of neurons and helps prevent their death. Additionally, research suggests that EGCG can have an antioxidant effect on the brain, protecting it from damage caused by environmental toxins or aging. By drinking green tea on a regular basis, you can promote higher levels of mental clarity, learning capacity, and motor function – giving you that extra edge to stay ahead of the competition.
10. Oats:
The complex carbohydrates in oats can help release energy slowly throughout the day to keep your brain functioning optimally. Studies have shown that the B vitamins, antioxidants, and other minerals found in oats can boost cognition by reducing oxidative stress in the brain. Additionally, including oats in your diet on a regular basis has been associated with increased alertness and productivity.
These 10 foods are some of the best for a healthy brain! Eating them regularly can help you stay sharp and mentally alert, while also providing many other benefits to your overall health. So make sure to include these in your diet on a regular basis!