Think of your brain as Mission Control, the organ that powers every single movement, thought, and function of your body. With that in mind, consider the powerful role of nutrition as the brain’s rocket fuel, providing it with what it needs to propel us through our days. Since we all strive to live long, happy lives, let’s take a look at the best food choices to help our brains accomplish that goal.
10 Foods to Boost Brain Health
If you really want to experience optimal brain functioning, then it’s time to take that old saying, “You are what you eat,” seriously. On your next trip to the grocery story, go ahead and fill your shopping cart with these brain friendly food items:
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known to offer a long list of brain-related benefits. These foods help prevent depression and anxiety, and also reduce the incidence of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish (salmon, sardines, albacore tuna, and trout), as well as Fontina cheese, spinach, navy beans, wild rice, and eggs.
- Blueberries. These little blue beauties are chock full of antioxidants that protect our brain cells and flavonoids that boost our mood.
- Turmeric. This exotic golden-hued spice is found in curry powder or as supplement capsules, and has been shown to benefit memory, ease depression, and encourage brain cell growth.
- Broccoli. Broccoli contains a nutrient called chromium, which can increase levels of important the brain chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine, and melatonin, which help prevent depression.
- Nuts. Switch out salty highly processed snack foods for some nutritious nuts, which are shown to benefit mood.
- Oranges. One medium-sized orange contains about a day’s worth of vitamin C, the powerful antioxidant that supports our brains as we age. Also, vitamin C protects against Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
- Green tea. Enjoy a steaming cup of green tea for a source of L-theanine, the amino acid that helps to reduce anxiety. In addition, the caffeine contained in green tea improves focus, alertness, and memory.
- Avocado. This tasty fruit is loaded with nutrients for broad-spectrum health benefits, including countering the effects of age-related cognitive dysfunction.
- Lentils. Lentils are the dried seeds of the lentil plant, a legume, and are rich in folate and pantothenic acid. Lentils benefit general brain function and can help stave off depression.
- Coffee. Go ahead and enjoy that cup of Joe, as coffee is a vasodilator that helps expand blood vessels and blood flow to the brain. The caffeine is an added gift, boosting mood, concentration, and alertness.
In addition to all these brain-boosting foods, be sure to treat yourself to some dark chocolate—guilt free—as it, too, has proven to be beneficial for brain health. Now that is some positive news!
