How can you make sure that your brain stays healthy as you get older and collect all the wisdom? The key is to keep it healthy. With the right foods, you can make sure that your brain stays in the perfect shape. In this post, we are going to look over some of the best foods for brain power.
The brain is the most important and one of those body parts that works continuously throughout the day. It’s an energy-intensive organ, using around 20% of the body’s calories. It consumes about ten times more energy than any other part of the body, so it’s important to keep it in its peak condition.
Foods are one of the main sources of nutrients for our bodies. They work as fuel to our body and brain. Foods that we eat can have a profound effect on controlling and boosting our brain power.
Don’t eat just to fill your stomach but to fuel your body.
7 best foods for brain power
Fish
Fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. More than half of your brain is made up of fat, and half of that fat is omega-3 kind.
Omega-3 is one of those components without which your brain will not function properly or efficiently. Because your body cannot produce this fat, it must be obtained through diet.
Fish is one of the best foods to boost memory. It also helps in improving mood and reduces the aging of the brain.
Fish that contain high levels of omega-3 includes:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Sardines
Coffee
Coffee is one of those beverages, which is very common among people and is one of the best foods to boost brain power. It is estimated that about 2.2 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day.
It has two main components: caffeine and antioxidants.
Caffeine: it keeps your brain active by eliminating adenosine, a chemical responsible for making you sleepy.
Antioxidants: these are molecules that fight free radicals present in your body. Free radicals are compounds that can harm your body and lead to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
After drinking a cup of coffee, your brain releases different chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and glutamine, which make you motivated, improves your mood and overall brain health.
However, drinking too much coffee can negatively affect your brain, as it contains caffeine which is highly addictive.
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of those fruits which you should eat daily. They are among the highest antioxidant(flavonoids) rich foods, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.
They are good at protecting your brain from degeneration and stress. Studies in animals have shown that the antioxidant properties of blueberries can even reduce brain injury in case of stroke.
Consuming blueberries improves blood flow, and good blood flow is directly related to a healthy brain.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of those foods that can boost your brain memory and power. It contains high levels of calcium, vitamin K, C, B, and the study shows that intake of vitamin K leads to better memory.
It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, which protect the brain against free radical damage.
The chemical called sulforaphane, found in broccoli, helps to improve cognitive function.
Avocados
Avocado is the fruit of the avocado tree. It is high in vitamin K and C, folate, potassium, omega-3, and omega-6, all of which helps in improving concentration and performance.
It has antibacterial and antioxidant flavonoids, which are good for your breath and better brain health. Eating avocados also help in preventing the blood coating in your brain and improves cognitive function.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate not only tastes good but also makes you feel calm and happy. It’s packed with brain-boosting compounds like flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants.
As soon as you eat a bar of chocolate, it starts releasing the chemicals in your brain called endorphins, which leads to a feeling of happiness.
Compounds found in dark chocolate boost memory, reaction time, and problem-solving skills by increasing the blood flow in the brain. It also contains caffeine, which is a brain booster if consumed in a safe amount.
Nuts
High in flavonoids, vitamin B and E, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium makes the nut very healthy eating for your diet. They strengthen the immune, improve cardiovascular health, and slow the process of aging.
The most studied nuts for brain health are walnuts, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies have found that people who consume nuts have a sharper mind than those who don’t.
Final words
Since we eat three times a day, food has enormous power in modifying and shaping us. It’s important to think about which foods we can use to promote our well-being and improve our brain power.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post about foods for brain power. If you have any additional questions, please post them in the comments section. In the meantime, feel free to forward this post to your friends and family.
Other posts you may like:
