A brain is like any other parts of our body. It requires good nutrients. These nutrients will keep our brain healthy. They will improve our brainpower and enhance cognitive function. Brain foods contain nutrients for our brain. But, do you know what Brain foods are good for our brain?
1. Oily fish
What is EFAs? It is an Essential Fatty Acids. Our body cannot create EFAs. You must get them from brain foods. Omega-3 is an EFA. It contains DHA and EPA, which are good for your brain function. Oily fish includes (Eg. salmon, mackerel, sardines, kippers, herring, etc.). All are rich in Omega-3.
2. Whole grains
Your ability to focus and concentrate comes from energy. This energy is the glucose inside the blood supplied to our brain. Whole grains have a low glycemic index. It releases glucose into our bloodstream to make us mentally alert. So, whenever you can, you should choose whole grains. (Eg. wheat bran, brown pasta, granary bread and bran cereals, etc.).
3. B-vitamins
B-vitamins (folic acid, B6 and B12) add vitality for our body. The high risk of cognitive impairment associated with high level of homocysteine. B-vitamins can help to reduce it. Many good food sources contain B-vitamins: (Eg. Fruits and vegetables, beans, poultry and dairy products, etc.).
4. Nuts and Vitamin-E
Studies have indicated that vitamin-E could help to prevent cognitive decline. It also helps to protect against cancer, age-related eye damage and heart disease. A great source of vitamin-E is nuts. Almonds are one of the best vitamin-E foods. One ounce of almonds will give you a whopping 7.4 milligrams of vitamin-E.
5. Black-Currants and Vitamin-C
As we all known, daily intake of Vitamin-C can reduce the severity and length of your flu and colds. Many people also believe Vitamin-C has the power to enhance your mental agility. Blackcurrant is rich in vitamin-C. As a matter of fact, It is richer than oranges.
6. Broccoli and Vitamin-K
Vitamin-k’s known to improve brain power and enhance cognitive function. Broccoli contains one of the highest amounts of vitamin K for vegetables. It is easy to prepared. You can boil, cooked, drained and give you great vitamin-K for your brain health.
7. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are not only good for men in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. It contains a powerful antioxidant, lycopene. There are good evidences. That tomatoes could help in protecting against the free radical damage to cells. This kind of situations could happen in the development of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s.
8. Blueberries
Blueberries are good for your eyes and brain. As many researchers have suggested with evidence. If you consume blueberries as your daily diet. It is not only good for your eyes. It may also effective to delay your short term memory loss and improve your long-term memory.
9. Pumpkin Seeds and Zinc
Zinc helps maintain wound healing and better immune function. It is also important for enhancing your thinking and memory skills. Pumpkin seeds are a valued source of the mineral zinc. If you eat a quarter cup of pumpkin seeds. It contains enough zinc to meet a 23% of your daily need.
10. Eggs and Choline, Cholesterol
Eggs known contain high amounts of choline as brain foods. Choline is the precursor chemical for acetylcholine. It is one of the fundamental neurotransmitters. Also, the cholesterol in eggs plays an important role in the health of the brain cell membranes. It serves as a brain protective antioxidant.
Best Brain Foods
If your diet is not well balanced and you are a busy person. You may consider taking some supplements to help you make up needed nutrients. The results will be faster and convenience to you. Our brain needs good nutrients to maintain mental health. If you have time, you can try the above Brain foods to improve your brain ability.