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Top 9 Best Foods for The Brain

Keeping our brains and bodies healthy is something everyone should strive to do. With life expectancies increasing with each generation it is important to be practice healthy habits such as exercise and eating right. Eating a well balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to keep your brain working efficiently over the course of your life, but some foods are especially beneficial brain foods. Below is a selection of some of the best foods for the brain that help enhance brain power and memory.

Food to Enhance Brain Power and Functioning

1.) Black current

Black currents pack powerful punches of vitamin C, which has been associated with increasing mental agility. Other good sources of vitamin C include broccoli, kale, bell peppers, strawberries and papaya.

2.) Blueberries

Blueberries have been shown to improve short term memory, and slow, and even reverse, the onset of age related memory problems and balance issues. They also have a low GI, which helps prevent sugar spikes and drops that adversely affect concentration.

3.) Broccoli

Beyond being a good source of vitamin C, broccoli is a good source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for improving and maintaining overall cognitive function. This important vitamin can also be found in high concentrations in dark, leafy greens.

4.) Nuts

Nuts are not only high in protein, but are also a good source of vitamin E, which helps prevent memory decline. Other good sources of vitamin E include eggs, leafy greens, seeds and brown rice.

5.) Pumpkin Seeds

Just a handful of pumpkin seeds can give you your recommended daily intake of zinc. Zinc has been shown to enhance memory and improve thinking skills making it an excellent food for your brain.

6.) Sage

Sage has long been used as a traditional method for improving memory function. In recent studies it has been used as an essential oil, but incorporating the spice into your food is another good way to garner the brain benefits.

7.) Tomatoes

Tomatoes have been shown to fight against damaging free radicals. More concentrated methods of consumption, such as in tomato paste, provide the greatest benefits, but fresh tomatoes still hold some benefits as well.

8.) Whole Grains

Whole grains are one of the best foods for the brain, because they have a low GI and are rich in folic acid, B12 and B6. Folic acid and B12 help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s, and B6 is excellent for improving memory function.

9.) Wild Salmon

Wild salmon is an excellent source of Omega 3s, Iodine, and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). Omega 3s are important for keeping the nervous system healthy and minimizing degenerative diseases. Proper levels of iodine have been shown to improve mental clarity.  Maintaining high levels of DHA can help lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and preventing memory loss. Other good sources of these great brain foods include flax seed, fish oil and walnut oil.

The best thing you can do for your brain is to consume a healthy, balanced diet, but be sure to include some of the above foods for an extra boost of brain power.

This article on brain foods has been written by expert author ‘Emily Cordz‘.