With our expert review, selecting these memory booster foods is much easier. Your brain health is a top priority – and we care about it. In this blog, we will show you how to keep it in peak working condition.
The brain is an essential organ in the body. It controls virtually everything going on in the body – from breathing to eating, movement, and every little detail! Its importance is the primary reason why you should take extra care of it.
As said by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the brain requires an average of 20% of the body’s total calorie. A constant supply of oxygen is also necessary for optimal brain health – nutrients like omega-3 fatty acid helps to repair and reduce cellular stress on brain cells.
There are links from these foods to increased cognitive functioning, concentration, and memory retention. Furthermore, research shows that they reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Lots of food can keep your brain healthy – fruits, vegetables, eggs, and the lot – we’ve made a compilation with which you can select the top 7 memory booster foods. You can include this in your diet and enjoy a boost in your brain health.
Coffee
A morning cup of coffee is a must-have!
Coffee is a great pick-me-up for your brain – that’s why you reach for a cup every morning. Coffee is regarded as a brain stimulant. It has a direct effect on adenosine – a chemical in the brain – by preventing it from binding to its receptors. This causes a surge of energy, improving mental performance, and reducing decline. What’s more, coffee reduces the rate of dopamine reabsorption, allowing us to enjoy the feel-good hormone longer.
A mild to moderate, consistent consumption is linked with top-notch brain health. However, experts advise against consuming large quantities of coffee regularly as it could reduce cerebral blood flow. In other words, uncontrolled consumption of caffeine will starve your brain of oxygen, and fry it!
Dark chocolate
Well, they look good and taste amazing!
Dark chocolate is regarded as the best source of antioxidants and is derived from cocoa seeds – also known to work wonders on heart health. A bar of dark chocolate has loads of nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, selenium, potassium, phosphorus – you can’t go wrong with chocolate!
Dark chocolate has a high ORAC – Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity – score. The active biological compounds in chocolate, such as catechins, polyphenols, and flavanols, have a high antioxidant effect. Research also shows that these compounds improve blood flow through arteries – all of these combined make it amazing brain food. Get a bar of chocolate to snack on now!
Cruciferous veggies
Vegetables are for everyone! Of course, it should be expected that they will be great for brain health.
Broccoli, Brussels, and cauliflower, amongst others, belong under an umbrella name – cruciferous vegetables. They became exceptionally popular in recent times because of their cancer-fighting properties.
This family of vegetables is rich in folate and vitamin K – both of which are essential for proper brain health. They improve cognitive function and reduce memory decline. This is, in fact, a result of a reduction in the rate of acetylcholine breakdown.
Acetylcholine plays a vital role in memory retention as it works directly on the central nervous system. The research concluded that daily consumption of cruciferous veggies keeps the brain about 11 years younger.
Fish oil supplement
Omega-3 fatty acids are a crucial building block in the brain.
The two major types of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), help in building membranes around brain cells, and also improving blood flow to the brain.
Other tasty sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, algae, sardines, salmon, and tilapia provide loads of protein, vitamins B and D, iron, and selenium. All of these nutrients are necessary for optimal brain health.
Fish oil also contains fewer calories compared to other animal products. This makes it the best bet for maximum brain health benefits.
Avocados
Avocado contains fat. Many people have avoided eating avocados because of this simple truth. But, avocado contains monounsaturated fat, which makes it good fatty food.
Monounsaturated fats are known to protect glial cells – glial cells are found in the central nervous system. They are essential for fast transmission in the brain.
Asides from being a top memory booster food, avocado also doubles as a heart-healthy food. In fact, it is useful in lowering cholesterol levels and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Those who have suffered long-term concussion symptoms are specifically advised to eat avocados.
You may start looking at this fruit differently from now.
Berries
Berries, like chocolate, have antioxidant properties. Berries generally boost brain health.
Blueberries specifically affect the areas of the brain responsible for intelligence. Research shows that regular consumption of blueberries improves the way neurons communicate with each other.
Some pieces of evidence suggest berries like mulberries, blackcurrants, and strawberries improve cell signaling and benefit aging neurons—thus reducing memory decline, improving memory retention and cognitive functioning.
Berries also contain a healthy amount of carbohydrates, vitamins C and K, and fibers. Research has also shown a reduction in the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia in people who take berries regularly.
Berries are sweet and accessible, don’t miss out on its health benefits.
Nuts
Nuts are nuts for your brain! They contain a healthy amount of omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, fibers, protein, and calories – all nutrients that you need for excellent brain health!
Asides from being a healthy snack, nuts like cashew, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, and pecans, are also very tasty. Nuts can also serve as an accessory for dessert. Furthermore, crushed nuts serve as the seasoning for different dishes.
Research supports that regular consumption of nuts improves brainwave activity.
All these and more are the beneficial effects of nuts on your brain.
Conclusion
If you will give much attention to your body, you should treat your brain with much more care. These seven memory booster foods will come in handy and deliver remarkable results. The best part, they are all tasty!