Your brain serves as the control center of your body and it needs to be in peak working conditions for you to achieve daily tasks. Eating nutritious food is obviously essential to boost brainpower.
Our minds are no different from our body and need certain nutrients to fuel mental tasks like memory and concentration. So, what are the foods that help brain functions clocking in?
Eggs
Eggs contain vitamins B6, B12, choline, and folate. These nutrients help create acetylcholine which is a transmitter that regulates emotion and memory. High intakes of choline lead to better mental functions.
Meanwhile, B Vitamins slow down mental decline in elderly people and prevents dementia. It also helps improve mood and curb depression among individuals.
Green Tea
Foods and drinks rich in antioxidants enhance focus, performance, and alertness. L-theanine, an amino acid, found in antioxidant-rich foods increases neurotransmitter functions to combat anxiety.
It also makes you feel relaxed. Other foods rich in antioxidants are nuts, kale, and dark chocolate
Nuts
Walnuts, pecan, or almonds fight neurodegenerative diseases and help slow down age-declining mental performances. They are also rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E that protects the brain from free radicals.
Since the brain is vulnerable to inflammation and oxidation, micronutrients found in nuts (especially walnuts) such as polyphenols reduce cognitive decline and diseases.
Salmon, sardines, or trout
Fatty fish are rich sources of omega-3 known to build and repair brain and nerve cells. These good fats are essential for memory and cognition. Not to mention, it can help curb Alzheimer’s, depression, and mental decline.
Omega-3 fats are present in fish oil of compounds known as EPA and DHA. These fats help manage stress and put you in a good mood.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene that has antioxidant properties to combat dementia and Alzheimer’s. These antioxidants, as mentioned, protect the brain from free radicals.
Eating tomatoes raw or cooked is up to you. Just take out the seeds if you have high levels of uric acid.
Turmeric
You’ve probably heard the rage these days: Turmeric tea, turmeric rice, or turmeric-dipped chicken (curry). This spice is rich in curcumin that benefits the cells in your brain.
It helps new brain cells grow because of its brain-derived neurotrophic factor. In addition, it boosts happy hormones because of its antidepressant properties.
Broccoli
This vegetable is a great source of Vitamin K known to enhance brain functions. Broccoli is high in compounds called glucosinolates that slows down the decline of neurotransmitter needed for the central nervous system to function.
Wholegrain
Wholegrain gives you the ability to concentrate and focus due to its high fibrous amount that gives you energy. This energy comes in the form of glucose that supplies it to the brain, thereby, keeping you mentally alert throughout the day.
Always opt for wholegrain cereals, bread, oats, and rice
Avocados
Avocados are rich with monounsaturated fats that help healthy blood circulation in the brain. Along with it are several nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and B Vitamins to relieve you from stress.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has unlimited benefits proven to boost your brainpower. For one, it boosts
Lastly, it improves learning, mental clarity, and memory.
