There are a number of ways to boost your brain power and for some reasons, we hardly realize the fact that what we eat affects our brains in either a positive or negative way.
The way we think, memory loss, brain fatigue and lots more could all be enhanced and avoided by eating right, so it is absolutely important to watch what we eat.
Here are 8 foods that boost your brain function.
1. Blueberries
There is a long list of the health benefits provided by Blueberries. They are still recorded to be one of the highest antioxidant-rich foods to date, they are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fibre. Blueberries don’t just taste amazing, they have the capacity to improve memory or delay short-term memory loss.
Thanks to the high levels of gallic acid found in blueberries, they help in protecting our brains from stress and degeneration.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are Rich in zinc, magnesium, vitamin B, and tryptophan. They provide the body with these minerals which are essential for enhancing memory and thinking ability.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric can be used in almost anything, from tea to soups and even eggs. It is a spice that improves the brain’s oxygen intake, boosts antioxidant levels and keeps the immune system healthy. Turmeric is a spice that has been popular for its healing properties over time.
It offers a full burst of a chemical compound called “curcumin”, known to be a powerful antioxidant. Researchers have found results linking curcumin to the combat of Alzheimer’s disease. For better function, the brain relies on foods rich in antioxidants.
Finally, to add to its list of benefits, turmeric is a very potent anti-inflammatory agent.
4. Avocados
Avocados are one of the healthiest fruits easily available around the world. Though some might choose to stay away from avocados or reduce their intake of the fruit due to its high-fat content, it’s significant to understand that they are packed with the right type of fats needed for the body. Avocados keep the blood sugar levels steady and they provide some sort of glow to the skin.
Thanks to its prevention against blood clots in the brain, avocados help to protect one from having a stroke. They are rich in vitamin K, C and B (folate) and, they help in the memory and concentration process of the brain.
5. Nuts
Nuts are rich in vitamin E and vitamin E helps to prevent cognitive decline, mostly related to the elderly. The high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in nuts help improve mental alertness.
See Also: 7 Recipes That Allow You Have Fun While Eating Healthy
6. Dark Chocolate
For those who have been looking for just the right reason to freely enjoy chocolate, we’ve got the right one for you. The cocoa solids in dark chocolate have actually been found to be very good for the brain. Cocoa which is a great source of copper and iron also has polyphenol antioxidant compounds; they help in protecting the brain from damage.
Chocolate can also temporarily increase our alertness and mental ability thanks to the caffeine found in them. The minerals found in dark chocolate can also help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to both the brain and heart.
Unfortunately, not all dark chocolate provides us with the above benefits, when picking chocolates for such benefits, you can say; the darker the berry, the sweeter the juice. Avoid milk and white chocolates and go for chocolates with nothing less than 65 percent of cocoa.
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been highly underrated and even with all its health benefits, it is still hardly widely used. Some people make jokes regarding coconut oil, saying; “there is almost nothing that coconut oil can’t help with”.
In the brain, coconut oil helps in suppressing cells responsible for inflammation. They have been noted to help with memory loss problems too.
8. Rosemary
By protecting the brain against chemical free radicals, the carnosic acid produced by rosemary helps protect the brain from neurodegeneration.
From the above information, it is clear that eating the right food, fruits, spices and having a well-rounded diet goes a long way in helping our brains stay clear, away from diseases and unhealthy conditions.