Brain health has become a hot topic lately. The average person spends thousands of dollars per year on supplements, and other ways to improve their mental performance.
But there may be a cheaper option: some experts believe that certain foods can also increase cognitive function.
According to these experts, there are six foods that can give your brain a boost. They include blueberries, broccoli, dark chocolate, eggs, salmon, and walnuts. Learn more about these foods and why they can benefit your brain.
Blueberries
The fruit of the Vaccinium corymbosum plant is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature. It contains anthocyanins, which have been shown to protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition, it helps prevent memory loss by protecting neurons from oxidative damage.
Blueberries also contain high levels of vitamin C, B6, folate, fiber, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus, all of which are great for overall health and wellbeing.
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant compound that boosts the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
All of these help with mood regulation and with mental clarity and alertness - perfect for helping you focus.
Sulforaphane also protects cells from free radicals. Free radicals cause cell damage and inflammation, both of which contribute to aging, so broccoli can help you retain a youthful glow.
Eggs
Egg yolks are packed with choline, a nutrient that supports healthy brain development, and this can be extremely useful for staying focused and on task, as well as offering a real boost to your brainpower.
Choline is especially important during pregnancy, when it helps support fetal brain growth.
As an added bonus, the yolk in eggs also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that help protect eyesight.
Salmon
Salmon is one of the most famous "brain foods", and is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health.
Omega-3s help maintain the integrity of nerve membranes, and keep them flexible and pliable, allowing messages to pass through efficiently, and helping you stay more alert and keeping your brain sharp.
Salmon is also loaded with healthy oils, so you will also see the benefits on your skin, hair and nails!
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is full of flavonols, compounds that act as antioxidants and protect your brain from harmful substances.
These antioxidants help reduce stress, and make you feel happier and more relaxed. This makes it ideal for improving concentration and boosting brain power.
In fact, studies show that people who eat dark chocolate tend to perform better at work than those who don't, so this is a food that can really benefit every area of your life, as well as being delicious!
Walnuts
Walnuts are another superfood that's good for your brain. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, and are also a source of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin, a chemical messenger that affects how you feel.
Serotonin is linked to feelings of happiness and calmness, making walnuts a great way to boost your mood.
Walnuts also contain phytosterols, which are beneficial for brain health because they help lower cholesterol, and may even slow down or reverse cognitive decline.
Green Tea
Green tea has been proven to have many positive effects on our bodies, including protecting against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
It also offers protection against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and improves memory and learning ability.
The catechins in green tea are also powerful antioxidants, and help prevent oxidation of fats and proteins, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Final Thoughts
So there you go - six foods that will give you a natural lift, improve your brainpower, and help you get things done faster - and they all taste delicious!
Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about: Nutrition guide - Fight disease with food and also download the free health report available there!
Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over a decade and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health, increase their personal energy levels and to use supplements to assist with diet related health issues.
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