At some point or another, we’ve all tried to improve our diet, whether it was for health
reasons, physical appearance, or both.
But we often overlook the most complex organ in our body when considering what foods to
eat.
Our brain is in control not just of our thoughts and feelings, but breathing, heartbeat, senses,
and so much more.
Increasingly more scientific research is showing that what we eat every day actually has a
huge impact on our brain functions, affecting our moods, cravings, and overall mental health!
The brain is always active, even when we are asleep, and requires a lot of vitamins, minerals,
and antioxidants to stay well-nourished and happy.
What are the best brain foods you ask?
Well, here are 6 of the best foods for maintaining a healthy mind and body!
1.
Fatty Fish Fish is most well known for its source of
omega-3 fatty acids (EFAs).
But what does it actually do for the brain?
Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the most important groups of nutrients for the brain, and some
studies have shown that as many as 70% of us don’t get enough of it.
These essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are required for biological processes
and they are key structural component for brain cells
A major scientific study published in Lancet, in 2007 studied the diets of 12,000 women.
It was actually found that children of the women who consumed the last Omega-3 fatty
acids scored in the lowest quarter percentile on IQ tests.
This goes to show the incredible importance these EFAs have on human growth, development,
and cognition.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also anti-inflammatory, which has major implications for the treatment
of chronic illnesses like heart disease, and also mental illnesses such as depression,
anxiety, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s.
Not only that, but fatty fish is a source of vitamin B12 as well as protein, which helps
to form key neurotransmitters and is essential for a healthy mind.
2. Blueberries
According to Dr. Steven Pratt, blueberries
help protect the brain from oxidative stress and reduce the chances of having Alzheimer’s
disease or dementia.
Blueberries are one of the highest antioxidant-rich foods, and they include vitamin C, vitamin
K and fibre which all are responsible for capturing radicals that damage our brain cells,
helps to regulate the blood and oxygen flow.
In addition to destroying these radicals, they rejuvenate cells to protect our brains
from degeneration and stress.
3.Walnuts
Walnuts are a good source of antioxidants,
fibres, iron, magnesium, vitamin E, and omega-3s which are all essential for brain development
and growth.
The human brain is made of 60% structural fat so it requires high-quality fats like
omega-3s, particularly DHA, to keep the brain fluid and flexible.
Research says that walnuts are the best nuts for improving cognitive performances, and
prevent age-related illnesses.
A research study at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Centre was conducted to study the
lifestyle habits of 6,000 people who were unaffected by Alzheimer’s.
It was found that those who have the most intake of vitamin E-rich foods have a lesser
chance of developing diseases that are memory and age-related.
Maybe there’s a reason walnuts kind of look like our brains….
4. Avocados
Nowadays, avocados are made into
sandwiches, creams, spreads, jams
and even ice cream!
But it actually contains a monosaturated fat, which is a healthy fat
and helps in regulating a healthy blood flow because it decreases LDL cholesterol – the
bad cholesterol – and increases the HDL cholesterol – the good cholesterol – This
prevents the hardening of blood vessels.
According to a review published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience in 2008, some nutrients,
like folate, that are found in avocados can also improve one’s memory and concentration.
Another study done in the Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute has suggested that
folate reduces the risk of a stroke.
5. Coconut Oil
If you've noticed, coconut oil is often mentioned
when talking about at-home remedies.
It’s almost as if there is nothing that coconut oil cannot do!
According to a study by Dr. Mary Newport, just over two tablespoons of coconut oil
will help in restoring and renewing neurons, and nerve
functions in the brain.
Coconut oil consists of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) that convert the oil inside the body
to ketones.
Ketones are what fuel our brains.
The MCT we put into our bodies goes directly to our liver to release the newly-converted
oil to energy.
Coconut oil also works as a natural anti-inflammatory food.
It helps to prevent memory loss or any age-related illnesses or disorders and destroys bad bacteria
that stay in our stomach organs.
6.Dark Chocolate
You might have started to worry that none
of these foods will satisfy your taste buds but luckily, chocolate can actually be beneficial
to our brain health.
Dark chocolate is packed with magnesium which increases the production of endorphins and
serotonin, and flavonols, which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
A study published in Neurology found that dark chocolate decreased blood pressure, and
could even lower the chances of having a stroke by 17%!
It also contains small amounts of caffeine to improve mental alertness and short-term
memory which is why a lot of students also eat dark chocolate while studying.
So those were some of the best foods for a healthy brain.
Other superfoods include eggs, sea vegetables, fermented foods, and leafy greens! :D
It’s imperative to be conscious of the foods that we eat because they can have a much bigger
impact on our bodies than we realize.
And remember, having a healthy body also means having a healthy brain!