Wish you could keep your mind as sharp as when you were younger? Don’t we all? Well, can what we eat actually help? Sure! A nice variety of healthy food options exist that can directly benefit your brain cells. Here are just 6 nutritious everyday food or beverage items, based on studies, that you can easily add to your diet to give your brain health, memory and focus a boost!
1) Berries
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, different berries such as blueberries, strawberries and blackberries have been shown to improve one’s memory when implemented into their diet.
Besides enhancing the ability to learn and recall, berries can further help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
2) Carrots
We mostly know that carrots are one of the best foods that can improve our eyesight, but now there are even more reasons to eat them regularly – they are great for our brain health as well!
That is because carrots contain luteolin, a compound which reduces memory disorders related to ageing, and inflammation of the brain.
Other than carrots, you may also consider other foods like celery and peppers, that similarly have high levels of luteolin.
3) Coffee and Tea
Caffeine lovers will certainly rejoice at this one! Coffee and tea are useful for more than just helping you stay awake in the morning or getting a perk-me-up when your productivity hits a wall.
Certain studies have revealed that caffeinated drinks also play a role in boosting one’s cognitive function and preventing Alzheimer’s Disease. In particular, tests show that drinking tea aids in memory and information processing.
4) Fish
Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is often cited as a great way to treat or reduce typical cognitive decline associated with old age. Besides that, fish also contains high levels of Vitamin B12, which can help protect oneself against Alzheimer’s Disease.
However, it is worthy to note that while there are studies which have found that fish oil or DHA supplements may similarly help ward off Alzheimer’s, they may not be effective in slowing cognitive decline in people already with the disease.
5) Spinach
Spinach is the much-maligned “yucky” green, leafy vegetable that most children dread, yet there is wisdom in parents incorporating it into their kids’ diets. Spinach carries brain-boosting supplements that can reduce the effects of aging on your mind, keeping it “young”.
Not to mention, spinach contains high levels of Vitamins C and E as well, both of which are critical in looking after and boosting your cognitive functions.
6) Walnuts
When even the shape of walnuts resembles your brain, you might want to pay attention to what nature is telling you about their main benefits! Several studies conducted over the years have favorably pointed to walnuts as a food that helps improve your brain performance and memory, as well as lessen the risk and progression of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s.
As a bonus, walnuts are also a rich source of antioxidants, useful in combating damage to the body’s cells resulting from free radicals.
Keeping a brain health diet
To wrap up, there are brain health-boosting food items, ranging from fish to fruits to vegetables, that offer you many options you can include in your diet. Thus make it a habit to eat these foods with high levels of Omega-3, Vitamin C and Vitamin E on a daily basis. Your young mind will thank you for it!
