The brain is the foremost important organ in the body. It uses around 20% of the calorie intake to fuel its function. Additionally, the brain needs certain nutrients to maintain its health and seamless operation. Taking care of your brain will not only boost its function but also aid in keeping you from ailments as you age. Hence, begin fueling your brain with food that delivers essential nutrients that nurture your brain. Here is a list of food to get you by:
Food That Boosts Brain Functions
Oily Fish For Brain Health
Oily fishes have omega-3 fatty acids that significantly enhance the wellness of the brain. Omega-3 rejuvenates and builds membranes around the brain cells. It improves the brain cells also known as neurons. Moreover, it accelerates the blood flow in the brain that promotes enhanced thinking capabilities and cognition.
Oily Fishes With High Levels of Omega-3
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Herring
- Sardines
- Mackerel
Dark Chocolate for Better Memory and Learning
Dark chocolate that contains cacao has flavonoids which is a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants are essential in keeping the brain healthy and resilient to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress contributes to age-related cognitive depreciation and other diseases. Cacao’s flavonoids encourage the neurons and blood vessels’ growth. Additionally, dark chocolates that contain cacao will better the brain’s plasticity which substantially helps in better learning.
Berries To Stay Away From Neurodegenerative Diseases
Berries also contain flavonoid antioxidants that keep the brain fully-functional. Anthocyanin, caffeic acid, and quercetin are the most common antioxidants found in berries. These antioxidants can help decrease brain inflammation and oxidative stress.
The Effects of Berries on the Brain
- It enhances brain communication between cells.
- It decreases inflammation in the brain and body.
- It accelerates plasticity to aid in forming new connections and enhance memory and learning abilities.
- It delays age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
- It reduces cognitive decline.
Berries Rich in Antioxidants
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Blackcurrants
- Mulberries
Nuts and Seeds for Improved Cognition
Various nuts and seeds are a good plant-based source of proteins and fats that are beneficial to the brain. Nuts and seeds contain omega-3 and antioxidants that relieves oxidative stress. Additionally, consuming high-levels of nuts can better the function of the brain of older people. It is also a good source of vitamin E which significantly aids in protecting the brain against free radicals that causes oxidative stress. Moreover, it also contributes to the improvement of the brain’s cognition while reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Nuts and Seeds Rich in Vitamin E
- Sunflower Seeds
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
Whole Grains as Source of Brain Vitamins
Another way to boost the brain’s health is by consuming whole grains. It is rich in vitamin E and other vitamins that enhance not only the brain but the holistic physical wellness of the body.
Whole Grains Rich in Vitamins
- Brown Rice
- Barley
- Bulgar Wheat
- Oatmeal
- Whole-Grain Bread
- Whole-Grain Pasta
Coffee to Enhance the Brain Process
Coffee is one of the most common beverages used to encourage focus and stay awake. The caffeine in coffee is vital in blocking adenosine that triggers sleepiness. Coffee accelerates the alertness of the person while increasing the capacity of the brain to process multiple information.
Moreover, coffee encourages an increase in brain entropy to deal with any complex brain activities. The higher the entropy in the brain the more information and activities it can process.
Benefits of Coffee When Ageing
- It prevents cognitive decline.
- It prevents stroke.
- It helps the person stray away from Parkinson’s disease.
- It helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Taking care of your brain will not only benefit you now but can also trigger a lot of advantages when you age. Eating well-balanced vitamin-rich foods will promote holistic wellness. With proper diet and regular exercise, you will live a longer, happier, and active life.
