Eating well and healthy is not only good for your physical health, but it is beneficial to your mental health as well. Your brain, like every other organ in the body requires nutrients to function well. But which foods are essential to boost your brain power and keep your grey matter active?
Eating the right food can help our aging process, efficient brain and body functioning and provide us an ability to get through the mental challenges. Check out the top 7 brain foods to boost your brain power.
1. Whole Grains
Whole grains are another healthy food for brain. Promoting cardiovascular health means promoting good blood flow to the body. Few of the best sources of brain foods that are rich in fiber content are oatmeal, brown rice, brown cereals, brown pasta and whole grain bread. Diet low in fiber and vitamin B can progress Alzheimer’s diseases in a person.
2. Walnuts
Nuts are good sources of vitamin E and walnut is one of the best foods for brain health which helps prevent cognitive decline. Walnuts contain poly-saturated and mono-saturated fat that keeps our arteries clear. Walnuts contain memory-protective omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B6. Omega-3 fatty acid is also heart healthy in keeping the arteries clear and the blood circulation strong that benefits the brain. Consume an ounce of walnut a day. Do not overeat it as it is high in calories.
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Zinc plays an important role in regulating communication between brain cells and may affect our ability to develop memories. Just half a cup of pumpkin seeds contains more than half of your recommended daily intake of zinc. Eating pumpkin seeds raw is your best bet as roasting them can damage the fats and vitamins. To eat more of this nutritious food, toss a few pumpkin seeds onto your salad or drizzle the seed oil over your dinner.
4. Blueberries for Brain Power
According to a research, blueberries are said to reduce the effects of age-related disorders such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A diet rich in blueberries is associated with improved memory retention, sharp thinking and faster learning. Blueberries also protect your brain from the oxidative stress and memory loss.
5. Salmon for Omega 3s
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential for a healthy brain function. Sardines and herrings are other good options that provide the perks of omega-3s. Oily fishes contain DHA and EPA, and low DHA levels in a person are associated with higher risk of developing memory loss. Eat two to three servings of oily fish a week and extract the benefits for the normal functioning of your brain.
6. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is said to be a healthy brain food. It is packed with antioxidants and natural stimulants that help you stay focused and enhance your concentration. Dark chocolate also increases the production of endorphins that contributes to improved mood.
7. Avocado
Avocado is one of the best brain foods that helps promote brain health. It consists of mono-saturated fats which regulate healthy blood flow and a healthy blood regulation means a healthy brain. Although avocados are rich in fat content and calories, so must be consumed in moderation. Moreover, avocados are rich in oleic acid that contributes to speedy messaging within your brain.
Our brain, like every other organ in the body, needs energy to work, and the ability to focus and concentrate comes from the nutritious foods essential for brain. Add these healthy foods for brain to your daily diet and achieve the steady energy supply to the brain and keep yourself mentally alert and active throughout the day.