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You don’t just eat well to achieve better physical health. By eating certain types of food, you can also nourish your brain! In this post, we are listing down some of the most important foodstuff that keeps your brain in tip-top shape:
Whole Grains
The brain cannot work properly without energy. The brain uses the glucose in our blood as energy and this is why carbohydrates are an important part of our diet. However, not all types of carbohydrates are good for the body. You can get wholesome sources of carbs from whole grains with low GI such as brown pasta, granary bread, and wheat bran. A diet rich in whole grains helps keep the brain alert throughout the day.
Oily Fish
Boost your consumption of oily fishes such as wild salmon, herring, pilchards, and kippers. They’re good for the brain! The body cannot produce essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 on its own; it’s only obtainable through the food we eat. The most potent sources of essential fatty acids like EPA and DHA come from oily fish.
The difference between vegetables rich in essential fatty acids and fishes rich in fatty acids is that the latter’s EPA and DHA are in ready-made form. As soon as they’re eaten, the body absorbs the essential fatty acids right away. Clinical tests show that people who eat foods high in DHA and other essential fatty acids lower their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and avoid memory loss.
Blueberries
Blueberries aren’t just popular for their anti-cancer properties; they could also boost brain health! In one study conducted by scientists at Tufts University, eating a diet rich in blueberries is an effective way of delaying short-term memory loss. These antioxidant-rich berries can be eaten in so many ways and are available widely so there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t include fresh blueberries in your diet!
Tomatoes
Tomatoes aren’t only rich in vitamin C — they’re also packed with a powerful antioxidant known as lycopene. Lycopene helps protect the brain from cell damage, preventing the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Just like blueberries, tomatoes also have potent anti-cancer properties so make sure you boost your diet with lots of tomato-based dishes.
Pumpkin Seeds
Did you know that eating just a handful of pumpkin seeds covers your recommended daily amount of zinc? Zinc is an essential trace element that can boost memory and enhance thinking skills. You could replace junk food with pumpkin seeds as snack and even add pumpkin seeds to salads or pastries.
Carrots and Celery
Apart from being a rich source of luteolin—a plant compound that soothes inflammation in the brain—eating celery and carrots can also lower the likelihood of brain-related conditions such as memory loss in clinical tests. Inflammation in the brain is the primary cause of neuro-degeneration or the breakdown of the brain. According to research, eating many veggies rich in luteolin can delay any age-related brain problem.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
Coniferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are rich sources of choline. Pregnant women are advised to increase their consumption of choline-rich vegetables because this compound super-charges brain activity in developing fetus. Choline helps boost cognitive function. It also improves learning and memory. It can also minimize age-related memory decline and protect the brain from toxins during childhood and later in life!
Walnuts
Your favorite nuts may help protect your brain from aging! Walnuts are one of the richest sources of plant-based Omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains natural phytosterols and antioxidants. In clinical tests, rats fed with a walnut-rich diet showed reversed brain aging. DHA is an essential fatty acid that helps enhance brain function and promote brain healing.
Crabs
Did you know that just a serving of crab contains more than your daily requirement of phenylalanine? Phenylalanine is a type of amino acid that helps create the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a brain-stimulating hormone that helps fight Parkinson’s disease. Crabmeat is also packed with brain-boosting vitamin B-12!
