What you eat determines a lot about your health. Just like the food you eat affects your heart, skin, and other organs in the body, so does it play a role in the brain.
For an organ that controls all the processes in the human body, it is important that you pay as much attention to your brain as you do to other parts of the body by incorporating superfoods for brain health into your diet, and making healthy lifestyle habits a part of your daily routine.
Research has shown the benefits of superfoods in boosting cognitive function and overall brain health. In this article, we walk you through a list of these superfoods for brain health.
Superfoods for Brain Health
Superfoods contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help boost the immune system and maintain good health. Superfoods for brain health are brain-boosting foods that fuel the brain, improve memory and concentration, and make the human body function properly.
Nutritional science for the brain emphasizes the impact of a healthy diet on the cognitive health of humans. Experts recommend eating a balanced diet with variety rather than focusing on particular foods. Adding superfoods can offer additional nutritional support.
5 Brain-boosting Foods
Research has shown that foods required for a healthy heart, also play important roles in brain health, and they include:
Leafy Greens
Research suggests that leafy greens like Spinach, kale, and broccoli play a role in cognitive function. They contain folate, iron, and vitamin K, nutrients famous for slowing down cognitive decline.
Berries
Berries, too, are gold because the phytochemical compound flavonoids in them come with the hue that helps boost memory and slow age-related cognitive decline.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to lower levels of beta-amyloid, a protein that forms clumps in the brain of people with Alzheimer's disease.
These healthy fats support neuronal development and protect against mental fatigue. It is helpful to consume fish at least twice a week, like mackerel, sardines, salmon, cod, canned light tuna, and pollack. If you are not fond of eating fish, consider an omega-3 supplement or terrestrial sources like flaxseeds, avocados, and walnuts.
Banana
Bananas are rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is known to help prevent cognitive decline, reduce mood swings, and also aid digestion.
Nuts and Seeds
Walnuts, almonds, cashews, pumpkins, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are rich in vitamin E, fiber, proteins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. These nutrients are crucial for brain protection and mental clarity.
The Science Behind Cognitive Function Superfoods
Nutritional studies reveal that cognitive function in humans can be preserved by consuming certain foods, including antioxidants and omega-3s, that benefit the brain by neutralizing free radicals, reducing inflammation, and supporting synaptic plasticity.
Takeaway
Superfoods are significant for a healthy brain. When combined with exercise, adequate sleep and some other healthy lifestyles, they play remarkable roles in cognitive functions. The nutrients in superfoods boost the immune system, sharpen memory, boost heart health, improve mood and support brain development. If you want a better brain, these are foods you do not want to sleep on.