The brain is one of the most important organs in the body because it serves as the center of all body functions. For instance, heart beating, breathing, feeling, and thinking are some. It is important that the brain is at its peak performance. Eating foods for the brain can increase their function and keep it healthy. Also, these foods can increase the concentration and memory function of the brain. If you have an upcoming examination or presentation at work, it is best to consider a mind diet. This article will give a list of foods to include.
1. Fatty Fishes
As you look for the best brain-healthy foods, then fatty fishes are always on top of the list. These fishes are salmon, sardines, and trouts that are rich in omega-three fatty acids. This fat is good for overall brain health. In addition, 60% of the brain is fat, and half of that fat is omega 3. It is important for the normal production and functioning of nerve cells for memory and learning.
Another benefit that you can get from eating foods for the brain is it can slow down mental degeneration and avoid Alzheimer’s disease conditions. On the other side, the lack of this fat can cause learning disability and depression.
2. Coffee
Coffee is a part of the morning routine, but it is good to know that it is brain-healthy. It can benefit the brain through its antioxidant and caffeine content. Although caffeine has some side effects, there are many positive effects to improve brain function.
• Caffeine can increase alertness by stopping a chemical known as adenosine, which is a sleep-inducing chemical.
• Aside from being alert, it can also improve your overall mood. Also, it good for the production of the feel-good hormone called serotonin.
• A study in coffee shows improve concentration by drinking one large glass of coffee in the morning. Likewise, consuming a small amount of coffee throughout the day has the same effect.
3. Blueberries
It is not only blueberries but all types of berries with bright color because of its plant compound anthocyanins. Certainly provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As you eat berries, you can stay away from oxidative stress. Hence, avoid neurodegenerative diseases and premature brain aging. A mind diet rich in blueberries can improve communications among brain cells.
4. Turmeric
This spice is one of the best foods for the brain. Also, it is can easily add to the diet through different delicious dishes like curry. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant in turmeric that can enter directly to the brain barrier. It means that it can have immediate beneficial effects on the brain cells. Also, help the growth of new brain cells by boosting the neurotrophic factor. It is a hormone responsible for developing new cells.
5. Broccoli
What makes broccoli a brain-healthy food is its vitamin K component. It can offer100% of the recommended daily intake per cup. It is a fat-soluble vitamin important in forming sphingolipids, a fat present in the brain cells. Some studies on vitamin K shows its goodness in memory function. Besides vitamin K, broccoli is a source of antioxidants that prevent inflammation in the brain.
6. Pumpkin Seeds
Surprisingly, pumpkin seeds are the best source of potent antioxidants good for overall body and brain health. It also has essential minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc. Hence, they are all vital nutrients for the brain. Most studies focus on the beneficial effect of these micronutrients rather than the pumpkin seeds. However, since it has good amounts of these nutrients, it is better to add in mind diet.
7. Dark Chocolate
What makes dark chocolate good food for the brain are antioxidants, flavonoids, and caffeine. Flavonoids are plant compounds that can increase memory and learning ability. A study in 900 participants shows that those who ate more dark chocolate perform better in mental tasks like memorization than those who ate less. However, it needs more studies to prove this claim.
