Power Foods for The Brain

Tammy Sons
Thrive Global
Published in
5 min readAug 31, 2017

Eating for brain health might sound like a strange concept, but science has shown that your diet can play a major role not just in health, but in brain function and prevention of common cognition disorders. Eating power foods for the brain can help you improve cognitive function, including memory, decision-making ability, mental response time, and mood. Brain power foods contain antioxidants and other nutrients that protect the brain. They also provide essential fatty acids that stimulate and strengthen brain cells. Try including some of these healthy brain foods in your diet and see an improvement in your mental focus while you protect your brain’s health.

Foods To Enhance Brain Function

Brain Power Food 1: Salmon & Tuna

Fatty fish like salmon and tuna contain healthy fats that feed the brain. The natural oils of these fish are full of Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, which are essential for brain health. Eating salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish has been shown to stimulate brain cell growth. It also has links to improving mood and reducing stress, which can help improve cognitive ability. Additionally, the Omega-3s in salmon and tuna may reduce the risk of cognitive and memory disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Health Nut

Brain Power Food 2: Olive Oil

Olive oil has many health benefits, making it a popular choice in several diets and nutritional plans. It is also a key power food for the brain. The oil is an excellent source of polyphenols, which have been shown to protect the brain. It also has many antioxidants that improve brain function and reduce the risk of brain health concerns. The oil has been lined to reducing the risk of depression and dementia as well. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, that can speed healing and improve overall health.

15 Brain Foods

Brain Power Food 3: Soy

Much like salmon and tuna, this is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, both of which help support brain function and improve brain health. Soy is also rich in iron, an essential nutrient important for overall health as well as brain function. Iron deficiency can affect memory, attention span, and learning ability. A diet high in products like edamame, tofu, and soy-based protein can help support brain cells, improve memory, increase cognitive function, and help with learning.

Brain Power Food 4: Almonds & Walnuts

Almonds and walnuts are another excellent snack or meal addition that can improve brain health and protect brain cells. These healthy nuts are full of the Omega-3 fatty acids your brain needs, along with lean protein to strengthen brain cells and improve cognitive function. Almonds and walnuts are also great sources of antioxidant vitamin E, which has been shown to be a powerful brain protector that has been linked to reducing dementia and Alzheimer’s risk. Studies showed a reduced risk of up to 70% for some groups eating a high vitamin E diet.

Brain Power Food 5: Eggs

Eggs are a real powerhouse when it comes to brain health. They are packed with nutrients that help the brain in a variety of ways. Eggs contain choline, an important compound, which helps from the chemical makeup of the brain’s neurotransmitters and can help improve brain function. They also contain cholesterol, which helps form brain cell membranes and can strengthen the brain’s cells and structures. Additionally, eggs contain several antioxidants, have protein, and include healthy fats, all of which contribute to protecting the brain.

Eggs

Brain Power Food 6: Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another food that has received a lot of recognition for being healthy. Its benefits to the brain are also well known. Coconut oil has been connected to improvements in brain function because the fats in it break down into ketones, which the brain can use for energy. It also reduces free radicals that can damage brain cells and affect cognition. Additionally, coconut oil is an excellent source of saturated fat, which has been shown to help improve brain function and protect the brain, reducing the risk of neurological disorders.

Coconut Oil

Brain Power Food 7: Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach and kale are also powerful brain boosters. Full of antioxidants and nutrients, leafy greens help protect the brain and improve its function. Vitamins A, C, and K help reduce free radicals, boost brain power, and improve cell health. Folate and lutein and found in abundance in these vegetables, helping strengthen the brain. High levels of potassium and iron also improve brain function and increase oxygenation, protecting the brain, and making it work more efficiently.

Leafy Greens

Foods like these are brain power foods because they contain nutrients that strengthen the brain, improve its function, and protect it from damage and disease. A diet high in antioxidants, Omega-3s, healthy fats, iron, and other nutrients can supercharge your brain and aid in preventing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other brain disorders. Keep your brain young by including these brain power foods next time you go grocery shopping or grid food collecting.

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Tammy Sons
Thrive Global

Tammy enjoys writing about horticulture, life off the grid, and anything outdoors. Loves junk stores, antiques, and spending time with family. CEO of TN Nursery