Just as the body needs fuel, so does the brain. Brain is a very active and hungry organ of the body. We know that how we eat can affect our bodies, but what we put in our mouths also affects our mood, the brain’s energy and our memory.
There are certain foods that are either suspected to improve brain function or have been proven to do so. Many of these brain foods protect your brain by realising anti-oxidants, natural chemicals that break down harmful compounds. Here are some great tips about brain friendly foods.
Berrires:
Berries play a key role in sharpening brain’s memory. Berries are antioxidant powerhouses, protecting the brain from oxidative damage. The flavonoids in berries improve the communication between neurons, improving memory, learning, and all cognitive function, including reasoning, decision making, verbal comprehension, and numerical ability.
These changes can prevent inflammation that can lead to brain cell damage and thereby improve movement control and function. Berries like blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, and strawberries benefit the aging brain in several ways. Healthy compounds in berries protect against brain degeneration.
Fish:
More and more evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. Fish is a particularly rich source of omega-3, especially cold water. Fishes like Wild salmon, sardines, lake trout, pacific oysters, and Atlantic mackerel provide Omega-3 fats. People who don’t like Fish can consume fish oil supplements. Studies have shown that people who eat a lot of fatty fish score better on memory tests and are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Dark chocolate:
This memory trick one probably doesn’t expects. Dark chocolate can boost your memory as much as 20%. It is one of the most delicious way to boost your brain’s function and keep you mentally fit. The flavonols in chocolate improve blood vessel function, which in turn improves cognitive function and memory. Chocolate also improves mood, can ease pain, and is full of antioxidants. There is encouraging evidence that consuming cocoa flavanols, as a part of a calorie-controlled and nutritionally-balanced diet, could improve cognitive function.
Leafy Vegetables:
Leafy vegetables are dense in nutrients that help preserve mental agility by protecting blood vessels and promoting regeneration of nerve cells. Consumption of leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, Swiss chard, and arugula shield the heart and brain from damaging sugar spikes, cholesterol, blood clots, and more. Leafy veggies prevent damage to DNA, cancer cell growth, and tumour growth, but also slow the effects of aging on the brain.
Green Tea:
Many health benefits are attributed to green tea. It not only helps to improve, memory but also protect the brain from Alzheimer memory loss. Green tea contains Catechins, which are a natural antioxidant. Also, Green tea contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells. Among many other benefits, regular consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness and slow brain aging.
 – Tanvi Shah
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