17 Super Foods to Boost Brain Health

Many people choose their foods based on taste. However, our favorite foods may be causing us more harm than good. When we choose to eat unhealthy foods, our bodies and minds tend to suffer because of it. Choosing to eat simple super foods to boost brain health can help us to live happier and happier lives. 

We should eat to provide our bodies with the proper fuel it needs to function.

The brain is the most important organ in our bodies. Unfortunately, many times brain health goes overlooked. When people think “eating healthy”, they tend to associate nutritious foods with losing weight, gaining strength, or living longer. Just as you can eat to improve your physical body, you can also consume specific foods to increase brain power.  

Because our brain is a high functioning organ, it needs lots of tender love and care to properly function. Mental wellness, mental clarity, and mental strength also all depend on a strong and healthy brain.  The brain is the command center of your body, and it controls everything you think, feel, and do. When your brain functions at its maximum health, you can perform better in every area of your life.

The foods you are eating can either help or hinder how you function throughout the day. 

Your brain function is totally dependent on what you eat throughout the day. Our brains actually consume more than 20% of our caloric intake and 20% of our oxygen intake each day. That means a good portion of your daily food intake directly impacts your brain.

Your hormones, emotions, and cognitive functions are all tied to the health and well being of your brain. If your emotions and mood seem out of control lately, it may be time to evaluate your diet. If you begin eat super foods to boost brain health, your entire body will thank you for it later. 

Because what you eat and drink directly affect your brain, it is important to eat healthy foods to keep your mind functioning at it’s best. 

• Eating foods that are low in saturated fat and have a low glycemic index (meaning they don’t cause a spike in blood sugar) help adults perform better on tests.
• Eating protein-rich foods can improve overall cognitive performance.
• Drinking lots of water and staying hydrated helps your brain get rid of waste and keep your hormones and emotions balanced and at a normal level.

What you put in your body determines your body’s output. 

When you know what you need your brain needs, you can feed it accordingly. For example, if you have a test coming up, eat vitamin-rich foods that will help you study well and test better. When I have long-hour work days, I eat protein-rich snacks throughout the day to help keep my energy levels high.

Click here to read: 32 Healthy and Energizing Snacks to Get You Through the Day

Eating to feul your brain is one of the most important things you can do for your physical and mental health. As you begin to replace the junk food with healthy foods, you will immediatley begin to feel the diference in every area of your life. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself! 

17 Super Foods to Boost Brain Health

1. Berries – improves mental capacity and motor skill development
2. Carrots – reduces brain inflammation and age-related memory issues
3. Salmon – eating fish with high levels of DHA and EPA are vital to brain and eye development
4. Greek Yogurt – improves slow thinking, anxiety, and crankiness
5. Avocado – the monounsaturated fats in avocados improve blood circulation
6. Spinach – the magnesium and potassium in spinach aid in the proper function of learning and memory.
7. Grapes – grapes contain necessary antioxidants that attack free-radicals that try to damage brain cells
8. Tomatoes – tomatoes contain lycopene, a gene that aids in gene regulation and brain growth
9. Broccoli – the potassium it contains helps to the brain healing itself in case of injury
10. Garlic – has multiple factors that contribute to proper brain function
11. Oatmeal – reduces cholesterol and helps your brain get the amount of oxygen it requires
12. Brown Rice – unpolished rice fuels the brain with B vitamins necessary for producing energy in the brain cells
13. Eggs – aids in memory building
14. Citrus Fruits – high in Vitamin C which improve memory and brain performance
15. Whole Grains – enhance memory and focus
16. Dark Chocolate – stimulates increased blood flow to the brain resulting in improved memory and concentration
17. Red Cabbage – provides antioxidants to the brain that help to protect brain cells

When your brain is healthy, you ultimately become smarter, more productive, and an overall healthier and happier person. As you fill up on superfoods to help give your brain what it needs, be sure to get rid of any foods that will stunt or hinder your brain function.

Here are a few brain busters to stay away from:

• Fatty Fast Food – fast food has been connected to brain shrinkage and can lead to Alzheimer’s disease
• Salty Foods – salt is heard on the heart, and research has shown it can be hard on the brain too
• Processed Foods – artificial food additives affect cognitive function and behavior
• Fried Foods – compounds released from common cooking oils raise the risk of the breakdown of brain cells
• Tylenol PM – when used excessively can start to cloud your brain
• Alcohol – when used excessively will cloud your memory

Are your daily habits helping or hindering your brain functionality? It may be time to make some changes. Do your research, evaluate your diet, and incorporate super foods to boost brain health for a happier and healthier life. 

I hope this helps!