Food & Nutrition Science

9 Essential Foods To Boost Your Brain Power

When it comes to health and fitness, the food that you eat every day has a lot to do with how your body functions. Not just your physical health but your mental health also gets affected by what you eat. Nutrition plays a very significant role in brain and body health and can shield you from ailments and illnesses.While people usually strive to be physically fit and healthy, they often tend to forget to pay attention to their brain and mind which also needs its food for energy and power. Here are 9 super healthy and amazing foods that are going to give an ultimate boost to your brain power.

Broccoli

Often referred to as a superfood, broccoli is a powerhouse that prevents the brain from so many health risks and continues to give it energy boosts. Loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin K, this green vegetable improves your brain power and enhances cognitive function. It is also packed with Vitamin C and iron which provide protection against free radicals and heavy metals that can damage the brain.

According to research, broccoli has a high amount of the compound glucosinolates which fosters the breakdown of those neurotransmitters that are required by our central nervous system to function properly and keep our memories and brains sharp.

Walnuts

Nuts are often associated with cognitive health because they are loaded with Vitamin E and essential oils that are very important for the brain. Walnuts are packed with plant-based omega-3 fats and antioxidants which, according to a study, reversed brain aging in rats.

The particular type of omega-3 fat which the walnut possesses is known to boost brain function and also promotes brain healing. A handful of walnuts every day can significantly improve your cognitive health and also enhance your memory and alertness.

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Blueberries

While all kinds of berries serve some health function or the other, blueberries, in particular, have been found to be excellent for your brain and mental health. They are antioxidant powerhouses that prevent premature aging by protecting the brain from stress and oxidative damage. These antioxidants also shield the brain from inflammation which often lays the foundation for almost all brain degenerative disorders.

Blueberries also contain flavonoids that help develop communication between different neurons in the brain which, in turn, leads to enhanced memory, decision making, learning, verbal comprehension and numerical abilities.

Dark chocolate

Who doesn’t like chocolate? While you may love chocolates but still avoid them because of the fear of weight gain, you will be surprised to know that they are actually good for your brain health. However, the darker the chocolate, the better it is. Dark chocolate is rich in flavanol antioxidants that lead to an increase in the blood flow to your brain and also protect brain cells from premature aging.

Dark chocolate helps maintain focus and concentration because it contains a small amount of caffeine which increases mental alertness in a person.

Fish

If you are a seafood lover, you are in for a surprise. While you may enjoy those grilled and crispy fish on cold Sunday nights, chances are you don’t even know what it is doing to your brain. Fish is rich in essential fatty acids (EFA) which cannot be produced by the body. These are extremely important for a healthy brain and enhanced memory.

Salmon, in particular, has been linked with increased brain power since it is a natural source the omega-3 oil DHA. DHA is essential for the maintenance of healthy brain cells and it also fosters the growth of new cells in the brain.

Avocado

Typically avoided due to a high-fat content, avocados are in fact excellent for your brain and mental health. They are packed with folate and Vitamin K, both of which prevent clot formation in the brain, protecting it from a stroke. They also boost your cognitive function and help increase memory and concentration levels.

Avocado is a great natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which lead to an increased blood flow to the brain and the presence of Vitamin E shields the brain from free radical damage.

Tomatoes

This might come across as a surprise but tomatoes have been linked to increased brain activity as they are packed with lycopene which is an extremely powerful antioxidant. Lycopene offers protection against radical damage to brain cells that typically happens in the case of dementia.

Green tea

If you are a fitness fanatic and have been binging on herbal green tea all these years for weight loss, good news for you, your brain probably functions better than a person who has never had green tea.

Green tea is a natural source of caffeine which increases focus and improves alertness. It also contains one other key element called l’theanine which boosts the alpha-wave activity in your brain. Combined with caffeine, these two together can help you build focus and attention, improve speed and accuracy, and can also boost your memory.

Eggs

A delicious breakfast staple, eggs are not only very filling for the tummy but also a great way to boost your brain power. They are a great source of amino acids and proteins which stimulate the action of certain neurons in the brain that help you focus better and stay in a positive mood throughout the day.

Eggs are also rich in Vitamin B, Vitamin D and choline which boosts the formation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that sharpens the memory.

It is equally essential for you to take care of your brain as it is to look after your body. Both your physical and mental health are directly associated with the food you eat. Therefore, it is your job to make due changes in your diet and lifestyle for a fit body and sharp brain.

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