Brain Foods: A Superfood Diet To Ensure A Healthy Brain Well Into Old Age
As a student of self development and a pursuer of knowledge, the study of the human brain is a fascinating area for you to focus on. A basic understanding of the brains functions and how they allow us to have this human experience are just now beginning to be understood. Like any machine, the brain is influenced by external factors. One factor is diet. Research is showing that your brain can function at a high level as you age if you add these superfoods or “brain foods” to your diet.
The super brain foods are:
Brain Foods – Blueberries
1. Blueberries
Also known as “brainberries”, blueberries are known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer and dementia, as well as increasing motor response and learning capacity in aging rats. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center looked at more than 100 common foods and found that, among fruits, wild and cultivated blueberries had the highest total antioxidant capacity.
2. Salmon
Salmon’s reputation as a healthy food is largely based on its unusual omega-3 fatty acid content. Deep-water fish, such as salmon, are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are essential for brain function.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E as well as other health benefits. Higher levels of vitamin E correspond with less cognitive decline as you get older. Add an ounce a day of walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed, and unhydrogenated nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter, and tahini.
Brain Foods – Avacado
4. Avocados
Avocados are almost as good as blueberries in promoting brain health. High avocado intake was shown in one preliminary study to lower blood cholesterol levels.
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5. Whole grains
Whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole-grain breads, and brown rice can reduce the risk for heart disease. Every organ in the body is dependent on blood flow so if you promote cardiovascular health, you’re promoting good flow to the organ system, which includes the brain.
6. Pomegranate Juice
There are many health benefits in pomegranate.
Why should you give pomegranate juice a second look?
- It has a unique, pleasant flavor.
- The color is amazing. It can add a splash of red to your beverages, smoothies, and other recipes.
- Pomegranates are a rich source of antioxidants.
Brain Foods – Tea
7. Freshly Brewed Tea
Tea contains a large number of bioactive chemicals such as amino acids, vitamins, caffeine and several polysaccharides. It has been suggested that green and black tea may protect against cancer, though the catechins found in green tea are thought to be more effective in preventing certain obesity-related cancers such as liver and colorectal cancer.
8. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate which is rich in cocoa and dark chocolate may support cardiovascular health. Other effects under preliminary research include reduced risks of cancer, coughing and heart disease.
