9 Amazing Foods That are Great for The Brain
Our brain has the most significant function of sending messages to other organs for them to function properly. And it is mind-blowing how many of us don’t really think of having foods that would keep the brain healthy. Our brain needs certain compounds to function well. In case of the deficiency of these compounds, we would encounter problems, like memory issues, inability to concentrate, and the worst cases being age-related brain damage.
However, certain natural foods can help you take care of your brain and make sure it never runs out of the compounds it needs, to function well. With that being said, here’s a list of brain-boosting foods that you should include in your diet.
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Fish oil
One of the best brain foods that can help regulate various functions of the brain is fish oil. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help in the growth of nerve cells, which in turn helps us in learning and retaining memory in better ways. If in case people have a prolonged deficiency of this fatty acid, it may lead to depression and learning impairments. In a long run, omega-3 fatty acids also prevent the chances of age-related disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a good source of various compounds that help the brain function better. A compound called anthocyanin which gives these berries a rich blue color has anti-inflammatory properties. Besides anthocyanin, blueberries also contain various anti-oxidizing agents that help in protecting the brain from neurodegenerative disorders. These antioxidants also help the nerves in communicating better, which enhances both short-term and long-term memory.
Coffee
Coffee, one of the most easily available brain foods has more goodness in it than you realize. Having a cup of coffee as the first thing in the morning not only helps shake off sleep but has other amazing benefits as well. Coffee contains caffeine and a number of anti-oxidants that help cleaning your brain of toxins and free radical, thus keeping stress at bay. Coffee helps in staying alert, focused, and being able to concentrate better. You will learn more here that owning an espresso-machines is extra beneficial.
Turmeric
This spice is one of the traditional plants that are a part of Ayurvedic medicine has a lot of goodness to offer for the brain. Turmeric has an abundance of curcumin, a compound that gives turmeric the vibrant yellow color. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and directly reach the cells. As a result, it wipes out the free radicals and toxins in the brain cells. This results in better memory and reduction in stress levels.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are yet another easily available brain food that helps in taking care of the brain. A compound called lycopene is found in tomatoes, which has anti-oxidizing properties. With the help of these properties, you wouldn’t be as prone to age-related memory decline and associated disorders, like dementia. For how easily available tomatoes, anyone who intends to take care of their brain should include tomatoes in their diet on a regular basis.
Broccoli
One of the healthiest green vegetables, broccoli is one amazing vegetable that you should have pretty regularly. Our brain is packed with a fat called sphingolipids, which needs Vitamin-K. Broccoli is a great source of vitamin K. Moreover, vitamin K that you derive from broccoli also helps in enhancing memory. Broccoli also contains many other anti-oxidizing compounds that make a great natural brain supplement.
Nuts
Proper functioning of the brain is also governed by the right amount of blood flow to the brain. Nuts help in regulating heart health, which in turn helps in increasing the blood flow to the brain. There have been a number of researches that suggest people who had nuts on a regular basis had a sharper memory as they aged compared to people who wouldn’t have nuts on a regular basis. All the nuts have their own benefits. However, walnuts are packed with even more benefits for the brain.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of the best natural brain supplements that most people underestimate. Not a lot of people would include it in their everyday diet. However, when you have pumpkin seeds on a regular basis, you get the needed amounts of zinc for your brain that help in enhancing memory and other cognitive skills. They also contain magnesium that helps in reducing stress; both physical and mental. Besides these minerals, pumpkin seeds also contain elements that can regulate the production of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters.
Dark chocolate
Dar chocolate, something that you would add to your daily diet without hesitating, actually has a number of compounds that can boost brain functioning. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, caffeine, and flavonoids. Flavonoids that are present in dark chocolate have an effect on the parts of the brain that regulate memory. Dark chocolate is also known to enhance mood.
These are some of the naturally available brain boosting food. If you do your research and plan your diet accordingly, including these foods in your daily diet can keep your brain in good shape for a long time. After all, our daily life revolves around our brain, and taking care of the brain is quite essential.
