Do you want to be smarter and more alert? How about having a clear mind and a healthier brain? I have good news for you; while studying hard and doing a lot of mental exercises might help, eating the right kinds of food can make your brain healthier and improve its functions.
Have you ever had mental blocks, especially during examinations or interviews? Sure, you know all the answers but you got so overwhelmed or stressed-out that you forgot or got confused during the time that you most needed it. In this scenario, mental clarity and a good memory is all you need. Don’t worry; there are specific foods that can help.
Aside from improving mental clarity and providing good memory, there are foods that make your brain healthier and lessen your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease and rapid memory loss when you get older.
Here are the 10 foods that you need to improve your brain functions:
1. Fish
Our brain needs Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats help the cells in our central nervous system lubricated to function properly. In addition, Omega-3 reduces inflammation or swelling in the brain which is a key factor in brain disease. Fatty fish such as salmon, herring, and sardines are good sources of Omega-3.
2. Wholegrain foods
Forgetfulness and memory loss can be controlled if you eat lots of whole grain food. Cereals, whole wheat pasta, wheat bran, and wheat germ and other wholegrain foods contain vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid. These are essential vitamins that improve memory functions.
3. Tomatoes
Eating tomatoes protects your brain cells against damaging free radicals. Tomatoes contain a powerful anti-oxidant called lycopene. This acts as a layer of protection and can also prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Check this post for more tomato health benefits.
4. Dark Leafy Green Vegetables
Another good source of folic acids are vegetables such as spinach, bok choy, collard, kale, and mustard greens are just some examples. Folic acid is responsible in preventing dementia and cognitive decline. It also helps avoid Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Eggs
Who says eggs are not healthy? Our brain needs choline for proper development and better memory functions – it can be found in eggs.
Aside from choline, proteins and other essential minerals that help our brain function properly are all in that oval thing. Tired of boiled eggs? Maybe some of our egg recipes might interest you.
6. Berries
Would it make you berry happy if you knew that your favorite berries can improve short term memory? Smile because they do. Aside for improving short-term memory, berries are good sources of anti-oxidants which protect brain cells from free radicals and lessen the occurrence of brain disease. Here are more benefits of eating strawberries.
Trying our fruit salad recipe is a great idea too.
7. Broccoli
Vitamin K (K1-phytomenadione, K2-menaquinone) is said to improve brain cells and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Broccoli contains enough vitamin K needed to better the condition of your brain and avoid brain diseases. Aside from that, beef with broccoli tastes good too. Read this guide on how to cook broccoli.
8. Pumpkin Seeds
Did you know that pumpkin seeds (or buto ng kalabasa) are rich in Zinc? This mineral is known to enhance memory and thinking skills. A handful of pumpkin seeds provide the recommended daily zinc allowance. There are more information about the benefits of pumpkin seeds in this post.
9. Nuts
Going nuts is not too bad at all if you’ll just eat them. Nuts are known to develop memory because they are rich in vitamin E. I like almonds in particular. Learn more health benefits of eating almonds.
10. Dark Chocolate
This high blood pressure maintenance is also good for the brain if taken in moderation. Dark chocolate’s caffeine content helps improve focus and concentration which can make you more productive. This reminds me of the positive health effects of coffee article that I’ve written a few month back.
Do you have other food or food groups in mind? Let us hear from you, your comments are always welcome.