7 Power Foods for the Brain

The brain is the control center of the body. It is responsible for our thoughts, memories, concentration, motor skills, breathing, heartbeat, vision, touch, hunger, and temperature. Clearly it is one, if not the most, important organ that we have. Taking good care of it includes eating healthy foods for the brain will improve its function and prevent memory decline diseases.

Like other organs, the brain also benefits from healthy food that we eat. Carbs give it energy. Proteins help neurotransmitters communicate with each other. Antioxidants protects the organ from getting damaged. While micronutrients keep it healthy. All nutrients have impact to the brain functions and development. But there are foods that boost brain to perform better.

Here are 7 power foods for the brain that enable you to solve complex tasks, improve memory, and prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are often at the top list when we talk about food for the brain. They contain Omega 3 fatty acids which is the major building block of the brain. Essential for learning, memory, mood, and preventing age-related memory decline illnesses. Other sources of omega 3 fatty acids are nuts, seeds, soybeans, and milk.

Coffee has many benefits for the brain. (1) It increases alertness which is why it is the best for waking you up in the morning. (2) It improves mood. The caffeine in the beverage releases serotonin and dopamine which are known as the “happy hormones”. (3) The delightful drink sharpens concentration and improved memory. (4) Protects brain from Alzheimer’s disease because of its antioxidants that fight against free radicals and repair cell damaged.

Green Tea. Just like coffee it contains caffeine and antioxidants that boost brain functions and protect brain cells from getting damaged. It improves alertness, focus, mood, performance, and memory. But it has an additional component that coffee doesn’t have. The L-theanine. An amino acid that helps relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

Turmeric is known for its many health benefits. But did you know that this popular curry powder ingredient is good for the brain? Its curcumin content is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that: (1) Makes mood better and help relieve depression as it releases serotonin and dopamine.  In fact, a study has found that it improves symptoms of depression just as much as antidepressant medicines. (2) Help new brain cells grow. Which may delay the onset of age-related mental decline illnesses. But more research is needed with regards to this. (3) Improves memory including those people with Alzheimer’s. It may also clear the amyloid plaques which are the main cause of the disease.

Broccoli. This delicious vegetable is high in vitamin K. Delivering more than 100% of the body needs in a one-cup serving. Vitamin K is beneficial for better memory. Aside from that, the vegetable has anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidants that protect the brain against damaged.

Pumpkin seeds are packed with antioxidants that help protect body and brain from the harmful effects of free radicals. But aside from that, these seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. All great for the brain. Magnesium is essential for learning and memory. Iron improves cognitive function as it helps carry oxygen into the brain. Zinc plays important role in brain development. And Copper help control neurotransmitters.

Dark Chocolate. A superfood is full of antioxidants, flavonoids, and caffeine. Great for learning, memory, concentration, focus, and problem solving. It also helps repair cell damaged in the brain which prevent or slow-down the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons.

Now that you know about these power foods for the brain, I hope you consider including them the next time you buy food.