Seven brain boosting super foods
Food is another way to boost your brainpower; there is a variety of superfoods available that are thought to help your cognitive functionality. Focusing on nutrition for improving brainpower is beneficial because you can structure it around your regular diet.
Below are some of the best superfoods for brainpower:
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is regarded as a superfood due to its nutrient-dense form that is rich with polyphenols, calcium, fibre, vitamin C and folate. Broccoli is believed to contain cancer fighting agents - it has also been proven to slow down the aging process and the decline in cognitive function.
2. Olive oil
Olive oil is a good alternative to salad dressing, cooking oil or even something to dip your freshly baked bread in. It can provide a delicious flavour and has more brain-health benefits than other oils. According to the Annals of Neurology, products that are high in unsaturated fat can improve our current and future cognitive functionality. To get the purest and best taste, opt for extra virgin olive oil.
3. Berries
Adding berries into your diet can help protect your brain from aging and the cognitive decline. Researchers believe the most effective berries for improving brain health are strawberries and blueberries. A study running from 1970 to 2012 found that eating these berries once a week can halt the aging of the brain by up to two years.
4. Spinach
Dark, leafy vegetables such as spinach are known to be rich in lutein, a natural antioxidant. Researchers from Tufts University have found a possible link between a higher intake of lutein and improved memory and learning functions.
5. Walnuts
Whilst all nuts and seeds offer health benefits, walnuts are said to be the most beneficial. Walnuts are the only nut to provide us with a viable source of alpha linolenic acid, critical for brain oxygenation. Studies have shown that walnuts may also help reverse some damage that can be caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Wheat germ
Wheat germ is believed to be one of the best natural sources of choline. This is especially beneficial for vegetarians and vegans. Choline can help with membrane functionality and is vital for brain health and development.
If your levels of choline fall, the body may send warning signals in the form of memory problems, headaches and fatigue.
7. Beet juice
Researchers at Wake Forest University stated that drinking beet juice leads to an increase of blood flow to the brain. As a result, adding the juice to your diet can help keep your brain healthy. Beets are rich in nitrate, which is believed to help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
To get the full benefits of this superfood, it is recommended that you drink 16 ounces of juice per day.
Whilst no diet can guarantee a sustainable increase in brainpower, adding these superfoods to your diet could possibly help give you a better chance of fighting off the symptoms of aging. Making sure your diet contains the vital nutrients will help your body improve its overall health.