The modern way of living is demanding and highly exhausting.
Our hectic daily schedules can take a tow on our health. We worry so much about the things we have to do, that we disregard giving our body the fuel it needs. The same goes for our brains.
Just like your body can get physically exhausted, so can
your brain. It gets tired and starts to slow down. Then, you start feeling
unable to think clearly. Luckily, there are foods you can take to supercharge
your brain. Food is the essential and primary source of energy, stamina, and
focus. Together, we’ll break down the 10 foods your brain needs to function
properly.
Let’s dig in.
1. Blueberries
If you know anything about eating healthy, you know how great blueberries are. These dark berries are always at the top of all healthy food lists.
When it comes to the link between blueberries and the brain,
this food can take the title of “superfood”.
Here’s why blueberries are great for the brain:
- They’re rich in antioxidants
- They improve brain function by feeding the neurons around it
- As a result, they improve memory and cognitive function
The best part about blueberries is that they’re delicious.
You can add them to your smoothie mix, oatmeal bowl, or ice-cream mix.
They’re extremely healthy in the long run, too. They slow
down the process of brain aging, helping you stay mentally sharp for a longer
time.
2. Walnuts
The next food on our list is a favorite nutritious snack. Walnuts are tasty, great for your brain, and you can serve them in different meals.
What makes walnuts so fascinating is their nutrition They’re
rich in:
- Iron
- Calcium
- Manganese
- Copper
- Phosphorus
They’re able to supercharge your brain thanks to omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. They’re able to improve your mood, memory, cognition, and mental abilities.
Eat a handful every day to get the full benefits of this
brain food.
3. Fatty Fish
All seafood is considered to be healthy. But, fatty fish is one of the best food options you can make when you’re looking for some true brain food.
Here’s what types of fish are in the group of fatty fish:
- Salmon
- Trout
- Tuna
- Sardines
- Herring
- Mackerel
“The reason why fatty fish is so good for the brain is that they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These substances have a positive impact on our brain function. They help us nurture our mind” says Johanna Lively, an editor from Trust My Paper[1].
Thanks to omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish can:
- Build brain cells
- Build nerve cells
- Improve memory
- Prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia
Feeding our brain these omega-3 fatty acids will help
improve your brain function. It will also help you improve cognition and
memory. That’s why you should eat some sort of fatty fish at least once or
twice per week.
4. Avocado
Avocado lovers are going to be thrilled to read how great this food is for their brain function.
Avocado is a strange type of food because you can include it
in so many different meals:
- Spread it over a piece of bread
- Mix it in a smoothie
- Cut it into a salad
You can eat it in any shape or stadium of ripeness. While
you eat it, enjoy thinking about these facts:
- It’s a great source of vitamins E, C, K and B complex
- It improves your mood
- It prevents depression
- It fights cell damage
Eating avocados will power your brain up, give you more
energy, and improve your mood.
5. Leafy Greens
Greens are also on top of many healthy-foods lists, and we’re not making an exception. Leafy greens such as broccoli, kale, spinach, or chard can feed your brain and help it function normally.
A versatile combination of different leafy greens will
ensure you consume enough:
- Vitamin K and C
- Iron
- Sulforaphane
- Beta carotene
- Flavonoids
- Folate
All of this, and more, is available to you in those simple
leafy greens. You can put them in an omelet, spread over a salad, or mix into a
smoothie.
It will feed your brain and ensure you experience the
following beneficial effects:
- Improved brain development
- Improved mood
- Improved memory
- Reduced brain atrophy
“You have to be
creative when it comes to serving your leafy greens. Make them more interesting
to eat by experimenting with them in the kitchen. This will help you make them
a regular part of your diet,” says Richard Pearson, a nutritionist, and
writer at Studicus.
6. Turmeric
When we’re speaking about healthy foods, we shouldn’t forget the importance and power of spices. There’s a ton of healthy spices such as cinnamon, pepper, or ginger. But turmeric is extraordinary.
This yellow-colored spice originates from India. It comes
from the root of a plant called Curcuma longa. It’s a very complex spice and is
rich in different kinds of antioxidants.
Thanks to the antioxidant, turmeric positively influences
brain function:
- Protects the nerves
- Works as an anti-depressive
- Removes migraines
- Calms you down
You can add it to your tea or your salad dressing, or even
spread it over meat and veggies before baking them in the oven.
Turmeric will agree will other spices as well, so try making
your own winning combination.
7. Dark Chocolate
Finally something for you chocolate lovers. Dark chocolate is the king of all candy since it’s actually good for your health and is safe to consume.
The difference
between dark chocolate and milk chocolate is that the first one contains more
cocoa and less sugar. It’s the cocoa that makes it so good for your brain.
Here’s how it works:
- Dark chocolate has at least 70% of cocoa
- Cocoa is rich in flavonoids and epicatechin
- The above mentioned improve blood flow to the brain
- As a result, you memorize better, learn easier, and have better focus
Now you don’t have to feel guilty for adding a bit of dark
chocolate to your snack menu. Just make sure you don’t go too far with it.
8. Pumpkin Seed
Pumpkin seed is often disregarded for its simplicity. But, don’t let it fool you. This food is another way you can feed and supercharge your brain.
Pumpkin seed is rich in:
All of these nutrients play a significant role in
maintaining healthy and proper brain function.
The benefits go from improved memory to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
Add pumpkin seeds to your daily consumption plan. Use it to
stay healthy and ready for all the mental challenges you have to face.
9. Coffee
Coffee is the most popular beverage in the world. Coffee lovers enjoy their morning cup of tea more than anything else in the world.
Well, luckily for them, coffee is on the list of foods that
can supercharge your brain.
Coffee doesn’t have beneficial effects n the brain in the
long run. It’s more of an instant boost to your brain.
The caffeine from
a cup of coffee can help you:
- stay alert
- keep your focus
- memorize better
- achieve more
- stay concentrated
It’s also a great way to postpone tiredness and spend more
time awake when you need it.
So, when you’re in need of instant concentration and focus,
drink a cup of this wonderful beverage. Your problem will be solved.
10. Oranges
Finally, the last food on our list has a hidden beneficial effect for the brain that you’re probably not aware of. Oranges are super-healthy and delicious at the same time. What more can you ask?
We all know that oranges are rich in vitamin C. In fact, one
average orange contains all the vitamin C you need in a day.
Fascinating, right?
But what good does it do to our brain?
Well, vitamin C is one of the key micronutrients for:
- Saving brain cells from potential damage
- Preventing mental diseases from developing
- Increasing memory and improving cognition
The antioxidants from a single orange will help your brain
stay young and protected from potential dangers.
You can eat the orange as a snack or squeeze it to drink it
like a refreshing beverage. But, don’t forget to drink with the pulp, since
that’s where the nutrients are.
Final Thoughts
More often than not, we focus on foods that energize our bodies and increase our physical stamina. But, we forget that we have to feed our brains as well. Everything starts with your brain. Your ideas, plans, efforts, and physical ability are all defined by your brain function.
The list above will help you find the best combination for supercharging your brain. Use the foods from the list and add them to your daily meals. You’ll see what works best for you and your brain will be thanking you.
