Our brain is responsible for controlling the body. It ensures the beating of the heart, walking, feeling, and moving. Apart from the functioning of the body, the food we eat has a lot to do with the brain functioning too. It is necessary to eat healthy foods that keep our mind healthy and improves the memory and concentration.
The article lists 20 foods that you should eat to keep your mind healthy and sharp.
1. Oranges
Oranges are rich in Vitamin C which is a factor in preventing mental decline. Including Vitamin C in your diet will prevent Alzheimer’s disease and prevent age-related mental decline. It also supports the health of the brain as and when you grow. They defend your brain against free radicals.
2. Spinach
Spinach is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin K which helps fight inflammation and keeps our bone healthy. Studies have shown that these vegetables can sharpen your mind and decrease age-related dementia.
3. Dark Chocolates
Not all chocolates are good for your health, but dark chocolates have proven to boost your mind. Studies show that chocolates which have 70% or more of cocoa, maybe bitter to taste, but they are good for your brain because they are rich in flavonols, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidants property which heal brain injuries and improve your memory.
4. Coffee
If you have a habit of having coffee early in the morning, then there’s some good news for you folks! There are two main components in a coffee – caffeine and antioxidants which helps the brain. It keeps our mind alert by blocking adenosine which is chemical which makes us sleep. It sharpens our concentration and improves our mood by releasing serotine, our “feel-good” neurotransmitter.
5. Turmeric Powder
We all know the benefits of turmeric powder that how it is used in treating ailments and enhancing the flavor of the food. It also boosts the power of the brain. Curcumin is a chief chemical compound found in Turmeric, has strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It also keeps our immune system healthy and increases the oxygen intake of the brain.
6. Almonds
We have been told from childhood that Almonds increase our memory and keep the brain sharp. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, L-carnitine, and riboflavin which prevent dementia, degeneration of the brain, and improve the memory.
7. Peanuts
Peanuts are high protein legumes that make your brain smarter. They are rich in Vitamin E which also acts as an antioxidant and thiamine which protects our neural membrane.
8. Fatty Fish
If you love seafood, and fish is your top favorite, then there’s good news for you! Fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. They improve the power of the brain. Studies have shown that feeding kids with fish tend to improve their memory, prevent cancer, and kill tumors. Make sure to eat good quality fish as fish harvested from unpolluted water have mercury and other toxins in their meat.
9. Walnuts
While all nuts are good for your brain, walnuts prove to be top amongst all as they deliver Omega-3 fatty acids. They have DHA which has proven to improve the cognitive abilities of the brain. They also reverse the degenerative effects related to age on the brain. Pregnant women who consume 1 cup of walnuts daily, give
birth to smarter children.
10. Avocado
Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which improve the health of the body and brain. They keep the levels of blood sugar steady and keeps your skin glowing. They prevent blood clots and improve the memory and concentration. They are rich in protein and low sugar content as compared to other fruits.
11. Blueberries
These small berries taste delicious. It is one of the highest antioxidants’ foods rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Fiber. It helps to improve the activity of the brain, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. It is known to improve your memory within 16 days.
12. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the best brain foods available. It is rich in Vitamin K and choline which keeps your memory sharp. It has other Vitamins like Vitamin A, B-Complex, and C and is rich in fiber which prevents free radicals and improves the cognition.
13. Watermelon
Watermelons are rich in water which is directly beneficial for your brain as it prevents dehydration in the body. Also, its seeds are rich in amino acid tyrosine.
14. Eggs
Eggs are a rich source of protein, but it also has other nutrients like Vitamins B6 and B12, folate, and choline. Choline creates acetylcholine which helps regulate mood and memory. Vitamin B helps to slow down the progression of mental decline. You should add this to your list if you want to become smarter.
15. Lentils
Just like eggs and green leafy vegetables, Lentils are rich in protein and healthy fats. It is rich in Vitamin B12 which helps boost the memory and increase the concentration.
16. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Proteins, and Vitamin B-complex. They are required for the healthy functioning of the brain. They contain tryptophan, an amino acid which produces serotonin, also known as the “feel-good” hormone.
17. Beetroot
Beetroots are not directly related to improving the functioning of the brain, but they are rich in nitrates which facilitates blood flow to the brain and thus help with the mental performance. They also help in boosting energy and performance levels.
18. Quinoa Seeds
Quinoa seeds can boost the stamina. They have high fiber content, mostly two times more than any food grain. They have nine amino acids, Vitamin B2, Manganese, and Magnesium which keep the brain upkeep. They are also rich in iron and mineral which produce haemoglobin in our blood.
19. Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb which improves our memory and cognition. Carnosic acid is one of the main ingredients of Rosemary, which helps the brain from neurodegeneration. It protects the brain from free radicals. It has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which protects eyesight from deteriorating.
20. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a brain food because of the powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. It improves learning and memory and reverses the age and disease-related changes.
