Five Foods Linked to Better Brain Power
Foods that boost the brain and memory
Your brain is kind of a big deal.
In order for it to function properly, your brain needs to be feeling nice and healthy so it can do its job. After all, it is the control center for literally everything you do.
The food you eat has a huge effect on how your brain is feeling, and therefore determines how well you are functioning.
There are certain foods to help boost your brain health and also improve specific mental tasks such as concentration and memory.
Here are the top brain foods to help your brain function at its best!
1. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish would be at the top of the list when it comes down to improving brain health. Fatty fish such as albacore tuna, salmon, trout, and sardines are all rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in brain growth and function, as it’s a major building block of the brain. The exposure of n-3 fatty acids promotes neuroplasticity, which is responsible for learning and memory. It is essential to include omega-3 into your diet as it is said that not getting enough can lead to learning impairments and depression.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries provide numerous health benefits, especially for the brain. Blueberries contain polyphenolic compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can delay the brain from aging. The polyphenolic compound, called anthocyanins, have been linked to increased neuronal signaling in brain centers, which improves communication between brain cells and mediates memory function.
3. Coffee
Coffee. Isn’t it the best? If you think so, you’ll be happy to hear that it’s good for you too! We all know that coffee contains caffeine. Caffeine increases your alertness and boosts your concentration. Caffeine as well as the antioxidants that it contains helps in fighting off neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s as well.
4. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate lovers, this one is for you! Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are loaded with flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants — all which are powerful brain-boosting compounds. The flavonoids in dark chocolate and cocoa powder have been found to enhance long-term memory and also have an effect on our cognitive performance. Dark chocolate is also known to have an effect on the mood, making one experience increased positive feelings, but this may be because the amazing taste simply makes people so happy.
5. Nuts
Nuts are highly nutritious as they contain healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants. It’s possible that eating nuts on a regular basis can help to treat and prevent neurodegenerative diseases and brain dysfunction from aging. There has also been a number of animal and human studies done that show nuts are capable of improving cognitive performance in humans.
So if you’re ever feeling low on brain-power or just need a boost of mental energy, I suggest giving some of these healthy brain foods a try and see which ones work best for you!
