Did you know that our brains can generate about twenty-three watts of power? That is enough to power a lightbulb! With the brain being such an active and important organ of our body, we should eat foods that can boost our brain function. Adopting a brain-boosting diet can support both short- and long-term brain function while preventing the progression of neurological diseases such as stroke, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
How can we take care of this crucial organ of our body? One simple way is to make adjustments to our dietary habits, introducing key vitamins and nutrients for brain function into our diet. Our brain requires several nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, cacao flavonoids, and vitamin E, to stay healthy and strong. Read on for more information and eat these wholesome foods to boost your brain function now!
Oily Fish
Oily fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and they are essential in building membranes around the cells in our body, including our brain cells. They help in the development and structure of our neurons, thereby increasing blood flow to our brains. Research also identified a link between omega-3 levels and our cognitive abilities, suggesting that incorporating these foods into our diet would boost our brain functions. Eating oily fish would hence help those already experiencing memory problems and reduce the likelihood of mental impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Examples of oily fish that contain high levels of omega-3s include salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and sardines. Adding these fish to our diet would provide us with numerous delicious ways to introduce omega-3s to our bodies. Other foods rich in omega-3 oils include soybeans and sunflower seeds.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has cacao which contains a type of antioxidant called flavonoids. Antioxidants are crucial for brain health as they help our brain handle oxidative stress, which contributes to age-related cognitive decline and brain diseases. Cacao flavonoids encourage neuron and blood vessel growth in parts of the brain involved in memory and learning while stimulating blood flow in the brain. Research also revealed that eating dark chocolate may improve brain plasticity, which is essential for learning. Cacao may also improve cognitive functions in older adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment, improving their verbal fluency and several other risk factors for cognitive ailments.
Almonds
Eating almonds is good for the brain, as they contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Generally, all nuts and seeds are also rich sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which protects cells from oxidative stress. Aging exposes the brain to oxidative stress, and vitamin E may therefore support brain health in older adults while also improving cognitive abilities and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Other nuts rich in vitamin E are hazelnuts and peanuts. It can also be found in sunflower seeds and legumes.
Take Care Of Your Brain Today!
Research has proven that having a balanced diet consisting of the nutrients and vitamins mentioned above will help to prevent or slow down the progression of different cognitive impairments. Protecting and maintaining our neurological health by eating right will go a long way in protecting one of the most important organs in our body. You are what you eat; make the appropriate changes to your diet now!
