Can you eat your way to becoming a genius? Here are the foods for brain health you’ll want to start chomping on.
Everyone wants to be smarter–it’s just that simple! Whether you want to be better at your day job, you want to learn new things more easily, or you just want to grasp complicated concepts more quickly, everyone wants to have a faster, better, smarter brain.
Did you know that you can eat your way to a smarter brain? Here are a few of the foods you can eat to improve your brain health:
- Salmon — Fish is very high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory acids that are ESSENTIAL for brain health. Wild salmon is the best source of these fatty acids, as it is the cleanest, safest fish (meaning a lower risk of heavy metals and toxins).
- Blueberries –– These tiny little berries are loaded with healthy fiber and minerals, but it has been proven that blueberries can reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s and other age-related disorders. Animal studies have discovered that eating blueberries can improve motor skills and learning capacity, as well as protect your brain from the oxidative stress that causes it to wear out.
- Avocadoes –– These green fruits (yep, they’re a fruit) are loaded with unsaturated fats, which promotes healthy blood flow. With good circulation, your brain functions better. Avocadoes can also help to reduce hypertension and prevent strokes, and lowering your blood pressure can help to improve brain function and overall health.
- Nuts/Seeds –– If it’s nutty or seedy, it’s a good addition to your brain-boosting diet. Both seeds and nuts are loaded with Vitamin E, which protects your brain from decline–just like Omega-3 fatty acids. Eat more raw, unroasted, unsalted nuts to protect your brain as you get older.
- Beans –– Who doesn’t love this “magical fruit”? Beans keep your blood sugar levels controlled, providing your brain with all the energy it needs to continue functioning. Beans give your brain a steady stream of energy that will keep it sharp all day long!
READ MORE: The Best Foods for Your Brain
- Whole Grains –– Oats, wild grains, and other whole grains reduce your risk of heart disease, which will improve overall circulation–including blood flow to the brain. Add foods like millet, barley, brown rice, and wheat germ (not technically a grain, but still healthy) to your diet for a healthier brain!
- Tea –– Green and black tea are loaded with antioxidants to help protect your brain against oxidative stress, and the small doses of caffeine in the tea will give your brain a boost in terms of focus, mood, and memory.
- Pomegranate — The little pomegranate seeds (and pomegranate juice, of course) are loaded with healthy antioxidants, which stop free radicals from damaging your brain. Considering that your brain is the organ most sensitive to free radical damage, it’s a good idea to add more of these colorful fruits to your diet.
- Dark Chocolate — As if you needed an excuse to eat chocolate! Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants to protect your brain, and the traces of caffeine in the cocoa will stimulate your brain to function better. It can even boost your mood by simulating the effects of endorphins.
- Curry — Curry is more than just a delicious meal, but it’s a mixture of spices. One of the spices contained in curry is turmeric, which is loaded with curcumin. Curcumin is an antioxidant that will prevent inflammation in your brain, can break up plaque built up in the blood vessels of your brain, and even stop beta amyloids from damaging your brain.
With these ten foods, you’re giving your brain the boost it needs to be healthy and strong!
