How awesome would it be if something you eat could make you smart? What if something you eat could refresh your mind like a fresh fruit juice? Well, it is no magic.
A lot of foods available are best as a brain boost. A car needs maintenance so does a brain needs nutrients and vitamins to stay healthy. Let’s face it we don’t know what to eat and what not, we only follow our drools. A healthy brain needs some particular food to keep it working just like you want it to and hence prevent diseases such as Hypertension, Diabetes, Coronary disease etc.
A balanced diet is an important and essential source for mental as well as physical well-being. The diet should also contain such foods which promote cognitive function and memory. Presenting top 10 foods which boost the brain:
1. Tomatoes
It is readily available and used in almost all recipes. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a crucial antioxidant which shields from the free radicals and particularly in the event of Dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Cauliflower or Broccoli
Both are great sources for the Vitamin K. It helps in detoxifying the liver while improving brain function and memory.
3. Wholegrain
Whole grains such as wheat bran, brown cereals, brown pasta etc have a low- GI which helps in releasing glucose in the bloodstream slowly. Such a process helps in keeping the body energized throughout the day. The energy needs of our body cannot be fulfilled without glucose-rich foods.
4. Almonds and Cashews
Almonds enhance the levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin in the body, thus warding off depression and mood swings. It also fights inflammation while booting mental health with growing age.
Cashews are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. They contain zinc and magnesium which regulates learning and sleep. It also has Vitamin E and B which boosts cognition and mental energy and they taste really good.
5. Blueberries
Another widely available fruit which helps in improving memory. Specifically it delays short term memory loss thus improving retention. They can be consumed any time.
6. Pumpkin Seeds
Yes you read that right. Pumpkin Seeds are often termed as a natural antidepressant. They contain the four crucial minerals, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium. Prevents the decline in cognitive abilities and functions.
7. Dark Chocolate
It is the dark and not the milk chocolate which is common. The cocoa in it which makes it delicious also houses antioxidants such as flavonoids. It also keeps the heart and brain healthy.
8. Eggs
Contains chlorine, one of the most crucial neurotransmitter. Also contains cholesterol which serves as a antioxidant keeping the brain healthy
9. Oily Fish
EPA and DHA are the most needed Omega-3 fatty acids. Normally found in linseed oil, soya beans or walnut oil, Oily fish are the natural alternative to fatty acids. Salmon, Sardine, Trout, herring, pilchard, kipper and Mackerel are the fishes to be included in the diet. Low DHA leads to memory loss.
10. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Sometimes natural foods are not enough for the dietary needs. Mineral, Multivitamin or even Omega 3 supplement can be immensely helpful in keeping the brain in a healthy condition.
