Written by Uche
DISCLAIMER
“Memory boosting foods for total brain health.”
Cognition (which
includes concentration, focus and memory) is part of your brain health. Boost
your brain function and power with this list of super-foods.
Brain Health Definition
A good and healthy brain is one in which the human being can function optimally in every life situation, be it an emotional one, a cognitive one, a psychological one or a behavioural situation.
Whether you go to work
or you go to school or you do both, we all feel tired at some point during the
day or week. Fatigue sets in and it is not just your body but your brain is
screaming for a break too.
Brain foods are known to
be the same as foods that are good for the heart circulatory system. Foods rich
in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin B improve brain function. Also foods that
have anti-oxidative power can boost cognition.
Below are 14 super-foods that your brain could really benefit from.
Already talked about brain foods in this post about Mental health: Mental Health Matters Check it out by clicking the link.
Oily Fish
Fishes such as wild salmon, cod, mackerel and herring are high in protein and give your entire body the much needed omega 3 fatty acids.
Nuts & Seeds
Also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, nuts and seeds can improve memory especially in the older population. They also have anti-oxidants which prevent free radicals and therefore prevent certain heart diseases and cancers. Eat them alone or mixed in your favorite (healthy) meal. Some examples include walnuts, peanuts and sunflower seeds.
Dark Chocolate
Yes, I said it. Your
brain loves chocolate. It has been known to improve cognitive function in the elderly
with mental impairments. As a bonus, it can also improve your mood on a low
day.
Green veggies
Broccoli, Brussels
sprouts and lettuce are just some of the green veggies our brain craves for. They
help slow cognitive decline by providing vitamin K and folate, both of which
are needed to build and maintain the nervous system.
Red Cabbage
On the brighter side, what
a delightful looking salad this vegetable would make. It contains more vitamin
K than white cabbage and can prove useful in preventing nerve related disorders
like Alzheimer’s disease.
Coffee
It is good to know that
the caffeine they contain helps improve alertness, concentration and your mood.
Green Tea
This was already raved
about but now we know it is not just a slimming tea but a super food for the
brain. Rich in antioxidants, green tea can also help improve the power of your
infection fighting cells.
Coconut Oil
I mostly use this for my
hair but it does make pancakes taste really good. The oil from coconut breaks
down into ketones that help fuel the brain.
Avocados
Can you say healthy
without avocados? This nutrition packed fruit has vitamin B, C, and E. It also
has folate and potassium, all of which promote good blood flow to the brain so
you can study for longer.
Bananas
Bone broth
A little unusual but our
brains know best. Bone broth has amino acid glycine which may help your brain
relax and promote sleep.
Fermented foods
Do not judge a meal by
its odour. Apart from promoting brain health, these foods are good for
digestion, immunity and adding a tangy flavor to your meals. Some good ones are
yogurt, kimchi and kombucha.
Dry beans
Beans have a lot of proteins,
carbohydrates and antioxidants. They take their time to digest thereby
providing your brain with a long supply of glucose.
Eggs
This makes two gassy
foods in a row? What is the catch? Anyway eggs contain vitamin B6, B12, folate
and choline. Choline being the most important because our body uses it to make
a mood and memory regulator called acetylcholine.
Do you know any more
super brain foods you could add to this list? Let me know in the comment below.
Also follow me on my instagram page: @uche_therapy
Cheers XOXO
Photos by:
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