The food you eat is directly connected with how well your brain functions and your overall health. Some foods that are especially beneficial are referred to as brain foods, or super foods. Adding them to your diet now can help prevent neurological issues down the road. Many well-known brain foods are delicious and nutritious, while others may surprise you.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are full of nutrients like beta carotene, folate, and vitamin K, which help in brain cell formation. Broccoli, kale, spinach, lettuce, and arugula are examples of leafy greens. They are thought to help boost memory and contribute to efficient brain function.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow powder commonly found in various curry dishes. It has become popular with people who want improved memory. Turmeric is a natural antioxidant, as well as an anti-inflammatory agent, with proven brain-health benefits.
Blueberries
A popular food for the brain is blueberries, which are packed with antioxidants that help protect and maintain healthy brain cells. Scientific studies show that consuming a diet rich with blueberries can help improve memory and other brain functions.
Nuts
Nuts contain healthy oils and are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. It is the Omega-3 fatty acids that make nuts a super food because they are known to improve brain function. Nuts are also a natural anti-inflammatory compound.
Whole Grains
Whole grains have a lot of vitamin E that protect brain cells and improve their systemic functions. Vitamin E is known to be neuroprotective. Popular whole grains include bread, pasta, oats, and barley.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, and antioxidants, and each contribute to brain cell preservation, and functions. These compounds are known neuroprotectors and great food for the brain.
Coffee
You may not think about coffee being a brain food, but it certainly is. The caffeine boosts brain function and productivity. Coffee contains antioxidants and promotes healthy cell function and mild stimulation.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Recently, Cannabidiol has shown to contribute to healthy cell function, and is also a neuroprotector. CBD interacts with receptors called CB1 and CB2 within the endocannabinoid system, which controls many bodily functions. CBD is also a natural anti-inflammatory compound, along with having an abundance of antioxidants.
Fruits
Certain fruits are great food for the brain such as oranges, guava, kiwi, and tomatoes, which have high amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a neuroprotectant that has been recently utilized in studies treating Alzheimer’s.
Fatty Fish with Omega 3’s
Fish is one of the best sources of Omega 3 fatty acids which comprise over 55% of the fat in the brain. They are neuroprotective and can help promote healthy brain functions. On the other hand, omega 3 deficiency can cause neurological problems. Trout, snapper, sardines, and white fish are examples of fish with high levels of omega 3’s.
Eggs
Eggs promote healthy brain cells and are rich in Vitamin B which helps slow cognitive decline. Eggs contain a nutrient called choline and is a neuroprotectant. Vitamin B deficiency can lead to neurological problems that include depression, and anxiety.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is an excellent brain boosting food that helps support healthy function with compounds such as flavonoids, antioxidants, and caffeine. Flavonoids in chocolate specifically help with memory and learning. Many people take dark chocolate as a mood stabilizer, which some scientific studies support.
Conclusion
There are many delicious brain foods you can eat that will help repair and maintain brain cells, tissues, and over all functions. Making sure to infuse your diet with these types of foods can ensure good health now, and into the future. Remember, you are what you eat!
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