Super Foods That Boost Brain Power
Super Foods That Boost Brain Power
Did you know that you can increase the effectiveness of your brain by what foods you eat? You can, and it’s a lot easier and more delicious than you think. The brain thrives off what we fuel our bodies with and it’s safe to say what we eat directly effects the upstairs controls. Get your brain working at maximum capacity, improve your memory, and sharpen your focus. Give your brain a natural boost by consuming these good-for-the-mind-and-body super foods:
1) Avocado
You’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again. Avocados are one of the most nutritional dense fruits on the market. And who can resist the rich and creamy taste? Avocados are packing fat – but don’t worry, it’s the good kind. Monounsaturated fats keep your blood pressure stable and cholesterol levels low. The vitamin K and folate keeps blood from clotting. All this helps protect your brain against a stroke.
2) Bone Broth
Quite possibly the best food on the list in terms of overall health benefits. Broth made from beef or chicken bones is rich in minerals and gelatin, both of which work magic on your physical and mental states. Bone broth helps repair joints, tissue, and ligament damage as well as strengths hair, nails, and skin. This is all thanks to the gelatin-rich tissue left on the bones that dissolves in boiling water. These bones also produce a special hormone (osteocalcin) that has been proven to improve the brain’s memory and mood. Need more reasons to start sipping? Bone broth also calms anxiety, improves digestion and wound healing, combats fatigue, and jump starts metabolism.
TIP: Check out this easy recipe and make your own at home.
3) Eggs
More specifically, egg yolks. This may come as a surprise since egg’s sunny centers have been criticized for their high level of cholesterol in the past. Unfortunately, a yolk’s cholesterol content has overshadowed many of its outstanding health benefits. Yes, a yolk does contain more than half of a healthy person’s daily allowance of cholesterol. However, studies have shown that a healthy person can eat one egg every day and not increase their risk for heart disease. Egg yolks are full of Choline, a nutrient that maintains brain cell health and helps keep you sharp. Yolks are also rich in B-vitamins and zinc which protect against mental illness and maintains your nervous system. Clearly, there’s no need to fear the yellow side of eggs anymore!
4) Olive Oil
Our advice on this one is “Do as the Mediterranean’s do.” This region of the world is not known for skimping on the olive oil. Many people may balk at the liberal use of an oil, but trust us on this one. The folks in places like Greece and Turkey are privy to an invaluable secret.
Olive oil is chock full of antioxidants that protects your brain cells against free radicals. It’s also a great source of Vitamin K and Vitamin E, which slows memory loss as you age, reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and overall keeps you sharp.
Using olive oil is another way to consume monounsaturated fat. Besides all the health benefits, substituting olive oil for cooking oil (for example) will help to replace saturated fat (that’s the “bad” kind) with something your body and mind can use for good.
TIP: Use olive oil and lemon to replace the dressing on your salad. It’s much healthier than
creamy store-bought dressings like ranch, and give your mind and body an undeniable boost.
Another tip: cut chunks of tomato and drizzle on some olive oil, lemon, and a little salt. Not only
will you get your healthy dose of olive oil, but tomatoes are also thought to possess a powerful antioxidant that protects your brain cells from damage that could cause dementia.
5) Beets
This dark purple veggie is a powerful force when it comes to brain power. Studies have shown that drinking beet juice improve blood flow to the brain and can reduce your risk of dementia. Beets are another good source of Choline (like egg yolks), which improves memory and slows memory loss as you age. Full of vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, iron, and potassium, beets are a wonder food that have a positive impact on many health issues.
6) Berries
The benefits that berries have on the brain have been studied, and the results are positive. Berries, especially blueberries and blackberries, are defenders of your brain and precious memory. Their antioxidants protect against brain cell damage, as well as improving your general cognitive functions. Studies have shown that eating berries can help slow the effects of aging on your brain, so consume these delicious morsels as often as you can!
7) Walnuts
Walnuts have a significantly high source of DHA, which is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is beneficial to everyone’s brain, from unborn baby to aging adult! Pregnant women who consume the nut safeguard their child’s brain in the womb, as well as protect their newborn’s brain health. As an adult, eating walnuts will improve your cognitive function and fight against the decline of age-related brain function.
TIP: Crush ¼ cup of walnuts and sprinkle on yogurt or on top of your salad.
These foods have all been proven to boost brain function. Try to work these items into your daily diet in some capacity and watch for improvements in memory, focus, and overall health!