Enough has been spoken about eating healthy is good for your physical health but not much has been spoken about the need of eating the right food for your mental health. The brain requires nutrients just like how your heart, lungs and muscles do. In today’s technologically advanced age and faced paced lifestyle, there is a lot of pressure on brain and it is very important to take good care of it.
No doubt, there is lot of dependency on technology, but there still certain things for which we have to depend on our brains. There are a whole lot of things that we need to remember and it is very important to have a sharp memory. Several studies and research prove that intake of certain foods helps in improving memory and in turn easing the process of recollecting.
Presenting some of the foods that will spunk up your memory
Nuts –
Nuts are a great source of Vitamin E that prevents many forms of dementia and improves brain power. Nuts, like almonds and walnuts are very good for the brain and the nervous system. Walnuts also contain an antioxidant called ellagic acid that protects the brain from free radical damage. Nuts also contain some anti-nutrients and consuming nuts in a huge quantity could cause some issues. Soaking nuts overnight before eating them is far healthier.
Fish –
Fish are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – which is very important for the normal functioning of neurons in the brain. It also boosts optimum brain performance and memory. Eat fish three times a week and take a good quality fish oil supplement.
Green leafy vegetables –
Another important source of Vitamin E and folate are green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli. These vegetables enhance the cognitive function and improve brain power.
Berries–
Berries have the highest concentration of antioxidants among fruits. All forms of berries are rich in healthy anthocyanins that protect the breakdown of brain cells. Blueberries in particular are the best source of flavonoids, which enhance spatial memory and learning. Add blackberries, blueberries, strawberries or raspberries to your yogurt or serial or simply make a healthy smoothie for a brain boosting beverage.
Rosemary –
This herb is used in various aromatic therapies and has been shown to improve memory and cognitive functions with its scent alone. It improves the blood flow to the brain, improves mood and acts as an antioxidant.
Whole grains–
Grains contain Vitamin B that improves blood flow to the brain and has a good effect on mood. Whole grains are rich in complex carbohydrates, fibers and some omega 3 fatty acids that protect the heart and brain from blood clots and more. Like nuts, its best to soak grains in water, ferment and sprout them to consume to reduce the anti-nutrients and increase their nutritional power.
Coffee –
So here’s good news for coffee lovers! Research proves that caffeine increase brain activity in two locations including one involved with memory. Although, to be safe, stick with filtered coffee as unfiltered coffee increases cholesterol levels.
Tomatoes –
There is enough evidence that an antioxidant called lycopene protects the kind of free radical damage to the brain cells that occur in the development of dementia. Tomato is a rich source of lycopene, which also improves mood balance.
Our brain is a powerful organic machine that is constantly at work – even in sleep. This makes it the most energy greedy organ in the body that needs to nourish well. Make sure to include these foods in your daily diet to keep your grey matter happy and improve your brainpower and boost your memory.