Brain-boosting Foods To Add to Your Daily Diet
How we eat can impact on our body and health, but did you know it can also affect your brain? The following brain-boosting foods are full of nutrients that can help keep you sharp and energized throughout the day!
1. Blackcurrant: This little fruit is incredibly high in Vitamin C, which has been known to protect against age-related brain degeneration and improve mental acuity. Other foods high in Vitamin C include citrus fruits and leafy greens.
2. Broccoli: High in Vitamin K, this green vegetable can help improve cognitive functioning and give your brainpower a boost. It is also high in glucosinolates and acetylcholines, both of which are needed for the nervous system to perform properly.
3. Nuts: The Vitamin E in nuts can help prevent or slow cognitive decline, especially in the elderly.
4. Whole grains: Just like your body, your brain needs energy to work. Whole grains, especially those with a low-GI, provide a steady stream of energy to your brain for all-day sharpness. Swapping out white bread, sugary cereal, rice, and pasta for their brown or whole grain counterparts is an easy way to boost your nutrition.
5. Fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in the form of EPA and DHA, are an important component of brain health. This is especially true for young children, as these fats help aid brain growth. Adults also benefit from fatty acid intake, as low DHA levels have been linked with increased risk for memory loss and Alzheimer’s. Great sources of these fatty acids include salmon, trout, kippers, sardines, and herring. Plant sources include flaxseed, pumpkin seed, walnuts, and soy beans.
4. Tomatoes: Tomatoes have high levels of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against free radical damage to cells.
Adding these seven brain boosting foods to your diet can be a delicious way to improve cognitive functioning. Along with a balanced diet and exercise, eating these foods can help keep your mind sharp for years to come!