The brain is, without any doubt, one of the essential parts of our body. It is the center of control for your body. It not just monitors the functioning of the heart, lungs but also allows one to think, feel, and locomote.
Therefore, it becomes vital to keep the brain in good shape. As with age, the mind tends to lose its learning and memory powers, and healthy brain food can help lower such risks. Here we have enlisted a few food items that contain nutrients to improve the functioning of the brain.
- Fatty fish
Fatty fish always tops the list when it comes to brain food. It includes fish like trout, sardines, and salmon. These are all richly filled with omega-3 fatty acids. It is worth mentioning that 60% of the brain constitutes of fat, half of which is omega-3 kind.
Omega-3 is used by the brain to build nerve and brain cells. Also, these fats are very useful in enhancing learning and memory. Other than this, omega-3 is proven to be effective in reducing the age-related mental decline in people and ward off Alzheimer’s. Eating baked or broiled fish is believed to increase the gray matter in the brain which is responsible for memory, emotions, and controlled decision making.
- Tomatoes
Several studies have proposed that tomatoes contain a potent antioxidant named as Lycopene. It is evidently beneficial in protecting your body cells from getting damaged during the development of diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Tomatoes are readily available in almost all seasons and are an integral ingredient in most of the dishes. You can simply have it cooked along with a little olive oil to optimize efficacy and absorption. Or else, you can also order your favorite delicacies as takeaway food nearby at your convenience.
- Turmeric
Turmeric has become quite popular recently. This inexpensively simple yellow spice is easily available and offers a number of health benefits. Curcumin is an element which is found in turmeric and believed to cross the blood-brain barrier. This means that it directly enters the brain and provides nutrition to the cells.
Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds found to be linked to several brain benefits. For instance, it helps in clearing amyloid plaques that are a symptom of Alzheimer’s and is beneficial for the memory. It also improves one’s mood owing to the high presence of serotonin and dopamine content in it.
- Dark chocolate
Cocoa powder and dark chocolate are filled with brain-healthy nutrients like caffeine, flavonoids, and antioxidants. Flavonoids are antioxidant plant compounds. Once consumed, it gathers around the area of the brain that handles your learning and memory.
Researchers have also proven that these compounds are excellent in improving one’s memory and also helps in slowing down your age-related mental health decline. Along with this, chocolate is also said to be a great mood uplifter as it enhances positive feelings in one’s mind.
- Green tea
The caffeine content present in green tea boosts brain function. As caffeine is actively known to improve alertness, memory, performance, and focus. Other than this, there are also other elements that make it a brain-healthy food.
For instance, green tea contains L-theanine, which is an amino acid. It increases the activity of GABA, which is a neurotransmitter and helps in reducing anxiety and makes one feel relaxed. It also enhances the alpha waves in the brain, which let you relax without making one feel exhausted. Its rich content of antioxidants and polyphenols prevents the brain from the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
