Our brain is the sole reason we function; hence it is the most significant body organ. It generates thoughts and navigates them throughout the body. Serving as the control center, it enables us to think, feel, move, and so on. It is in charge of many bodily actions like reading our favorite books, coordinating our movements when we cook our favorite meals, and even storing the memories we cherish.
Although the brain is essential to the human body, it is sometimes neglected. "We are what we eat" – it is critical to understand that the food we eat is the protagonist in our brain's story. A car cannot run without fuel, and the brain requires foods loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, flavanols, fatty acids, and polyphenols to perform effectively. Today's article will go over five distinct foods with plentiful nutrients to promote your brain's health.
Berries
According to a Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging study, berries of all kinds – Cranberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries – are beneficial to the brain. They contain antioxidants like anthocyanin, catechin, quercetin, and caffeic acid.
There is compelling evidence that consumption of these nutritious fruits enhances brain functions and prevention of age-related mental impairments like Alzheimer's and dementia. So having berries as a morning snack is a great way to give back to your old pal, Brain.
Leafy Greens
When you were a child, your parents must have made you finish the greens on your plate, which you hated, during dinner. This is because broccoli, kale, and spinach, among others, are leafy greens that are loaded with nutrients. They contain vitamins K & E, beta carotene, lutein, and folate, among other nutrients. They assist in improving memory retention, cell protection, and enhancement of brain functions. The vitamins support neurons in the regulation of memory and learning. Eating them raw or adding them to your favorite recipes would be highly beneficial for brain health.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids which benefit the health of brain cells. It contains antioxidants that help nerve cells function better as well as less sugar. It also improves blood flow in the brain. As a result, memory retention, attention span, reaction time, and problem-solving abilities are enhanced.
Dark chocolate contains compounds that promote the production of feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, which improve one's mood. A low dosage of it is suggested to improve physical and mental performance.
Nuts
Nuts are widely known to be an excellent source of vitamins, and they contain fatty acids that support the maintenance of brain structure. The vitamin E, selenium, & zinc inside the nuts promote good blood flow.
However, walnuts have higher DHA levels, which is good for fighting against oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. According to Harvard, the death rate is lower by 20% of people who consume nuts daily. So, adding them to your salads or oatmeal can help your brain function better and give you a longer lifespan.
Salmon
Fish is widely recognized as a good protein source, but it also helps to keep your brain healthy. Omega-3 deficiency may cause learning difficulties and depression; luckily, fatty fish like salmon are high in DHA Omega-3. These fatty acids are necessary for brain function and development. Salmon is a valuable Vitamin B source, which supports the development of mood chemicals in the brain and improves memory. Adding salmon to your diet can also diminish the risks of arthritis and heart diseases.
Conclusion
As you can see, taking care of our brain is a task that should never be taken for granted. People can certainly take steps to protect their brains from common health issues like cancer and Alzheimer's disease by simply eating more nutritious foods with essential macronutrients and micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The nutrients in the foods, herbs, and spices above have all been shown to benefit the human brain, and the sooner we can incorporate them into our diets (primarily after 25), the better our brains will be.
The five foods discussed in the article are essential for promoting brain health. Some improve memory, while others help to prevent serious illnesses. Aside from food, the most vital elements of living a healthy life are hydration, adequate sleep, and physical activity. By practicing these and including these nutritious foods in your diet, you can help your brain perform at its best!
