
10 Best Foods To Boost Brain Power and Enhance Memory
You know that how you eat can affect your body,
but what you put in your mouth also affects your mood, your brain’s energy,
your memory, and even your ability to deal with stress, complex problems, or
simple daily tasks! Though your brain weighs only 2% of your body weight, it
consumes 20% of the calories you eat! And the more nutrients you eat, the
sharper your brain works.
So, having
a well-functioning brain can help you to get through a lot of problems and keep the child in you alive. If you want to be
naturally brainy, here are the 10 best foods you can eat liberally!
Legumes
Legumes are an excellent source of complex
carbohydrates! These complex carbohydrates are also mixed with fibre that slow
down absorption, providing a steady supply of glucose to the brain without the
risks of sugar spikes associated with many other sugar sources. Legumes are
also a very good source of folate — a B vitamin critical to brain function!
Mint
Mint is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.
Vitamin A can help boost learning skills and increase brain plasticity, while
vitamin C is said to protect against cognitive decline. According to studies,
even the scent of mind affects brain functioning by boosting alertness and
memory. It also helps improve basic clerical skills, such as typing and
memorization.
Broccoli
Broccoli is not only a superfood for the whole
body, but it’s also one of the best foods to boost brain power and improve your
memory! It’s rich in calcium, vitamin C, B vitamins, beta-carotene, iron,
fibre, and vitamin K. These nutrients protect against free radicals, they
maintain proper blood circulation and remove heavy metals that can damage the
brain. Broccoli’s potassium content helps the nervous system, which in turn
helps the brain. Research also suggests that broccoli can help contribute to
the brain healing itself in the event of an injury! That’s pretty powerful
stuff for a vegetable, and it’s not just limited to broccoli, but extends to
the cruciferous vegetable family, including cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.
Beets
Eating more beets is one of the most effective
ways to increase brain power naturally. They’re high in nitrates, which help
increase blood flow in parts of the brain related to executive functioning.
Beets are a rich source of vitamin B9, which can aid cognitive functioning and
delay dementia. In addition, beets are rich in carotenoids, which can help
boost brain functioning and stave off depression.
Seeds
Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds especially are
great for the brain! They contain a rich mix of protein, omega fatty acids, and
B vitamins. They are also a very good source of tryptophan, which the brain
converts into serotonin to boost mood and combat depression. Eating a handful
of seeds daily will also provide your daily recommended amount of zinc, which
can help enhance memory and thinking skills! Soaked and sprouted seeds are even
healthier!
Nuts
Especially walnuts and almonds are some of the best
brain-boosting foods on the planet, and they’re extremely good for the nervous
system too. Nuts are a great source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, vitamin
B6; and vitamin E, which has been shown to improve brain power and prevent
different types of dementia by protecting the brain from free radicals. Though
it is worth noting, nuts contain some anti-nutrients - such as phytic acid, so
it’s much healthier if you soak them overnight before you eat them.
Quinoa
Quinoa is one of the best sources of complex
carbohydrates and fiber to balance blood sugar while providing the essential
glucose the brain craves. Quinoa is also a good source of iron which helps keep
the blood oxygenated, while B vitamins balance mood and protect blood vessels.
It is also gluten-free for those with sensitivities to this protein. But, like
most seeds, grains, and nuts, quinoa should be soaked overnight before cooking.
Avocado
Good quality fats are extremely important for
brain health, and avocados are a really good source of mono-unsaturated fats,
omega3, and omega 6 fatty acids. All these nutrients help in increasing blood
flow to the brain, lower cholesterol, and aid in the absorption of
antioxidants. Avocados also contain a lot of antioxidants of their own,
including vitamin E, which protect the body and the brain from free radical
damage. They’re also a good source of potassium and vitamin K—both protect the
brain from the risk of stroke.
Blueberries
Blueberries are the powerhouse of antioxidants.
They protect the brain from oxidative damage and stress that lead to premature
ageing, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. The flavonoids in blueberries also improve
the communication between neurons, which leads to improved memory, learning,
and improved cognitive functions - including reasoning, decision making, verbal
comprehension, and numerical ability.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides
that the body uses for energy, leaving glucose for the brain. It also seems to
have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. And
anything that benefits the heart and circulation also benefits the brain!
Coconut oil also acts as an anti-inflammatory and has been linked in the
prevention of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Final Words:
While there’s no single brain food that can
completely protect against age-related disorders, paying attention to what you
eat, gives you the best chances of getting all the nutrients you need for
cognitive health. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes these 10
brain-boosting foods will help keep your memory, concentration and focus as
sharp as it can be.