10 Foods to Boost Your Brainpower
What do you do to improve your brainpower? Many of us try mental exercises, getting lots of sleep, and working out… but did you know you can boost your brainpower with the types of food you eat? Giving your brain a boost is something everyone can do with. Who doesn’t want more energy, better concentration, and reduced stress? Sign us up! Eating these 10 healthy foods can give you a massive surge in brainpower. So whether you’re feeling sluggish and want to get energised, or feeling worried and want to alleviate some tension, such healthy food could change your life!
Blueberries
There’s a reason that blueberries appear in so many of your favourite smoothie recipes. These little berries are packed full of antioxidants – called anthocyanidins – making them the ‘go-to’ for anyone looking to get clearer skin. As well as a better complexion, anthocyanidins are great for improving or delaying short-term memory loss, helping you to have a better memory.
Nuts
Have you ever heard that certain healthy food is shaped like the body parts they’re good for? Celery is good for the bones, tomatoes are good for the heart… and walnuts are good for the brain! It’s not just walnuts that can help your mind work better – almonds, cashews, pecans, and even peanuts all contain lots of vitamin E, which is key for preventing cognitive decline. Just steer clear of those peanuts that are covered in salt…
Wholegrains
Wholegrains are a fantastic source of glucose, which provides energy for the brain. By opting for low GI wholegrains (think brown rice, buckwheat, barley, whole oats, and quinoa) you will get slow-release energy, keeping you mentally alert throughout the day.
Oily Fish
We’re always hearing that oily fish can be hugely beneficial for our health – but why? Oily fish is a great source of omega-3, and it comes in the form of EPA and DHA. When it comes to our healthy food choices, this means that our bodies can use it easily, and it helps us with healthy brain function, as well as our hearts, joints, and general wellbeing. The best sources of oily fish are trout, mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, kippers, and anchovies.
Pumpkin Seeds
We’re often told nuts and seeds are good for us, but how often do we really include them in our meals? Pumpkin seeds are crammed full of zinc, which is vital for improving memory and thinking skills. They also contain magnesium – which relieves stress – B-vitamins, and interestingly tryptophan, which helps build serotonin, our feel-good hormone, also utilised in memory and learning. Sprinkle some pumpkin seed goodness over your porridge or salad and feel the benefits.
Tomatoes
As well as being delicious and a great healthy food for the heart, tomatoes work wonders for the brain. Tomatoes are packed full of lycopene, which is thought to protect against free radical damage to cells, which occurs when someone suffers from dementia. It’s not just raw tomatoes that you can benefit from –cooking them with a little olive oil increases the lycopene content even more. Something to think about when you make your next batch of roasted Mediterranean vegetables!
Blackcurrants
A great source of Vitamin C, blackcurrants are not only tasty, but they can also improve mental well-being. Vitamin C is associated with mental agility, and studies have shown that a reduction of vitamin C has been linked to age-related brain deterioration. Vitamin C has also been thought to play a crucial role in managing stress and anxiety and it gets depleted from our adrenals when we are stressed. So, what are you waiting for? Get snacking on blackcurrants now!
Sage
Many people associate sage with something you burn to ward off bad spirits – any horror film will tell you that. As well as this, sage can improve memory and concentration. Sage is often used in cooking and can add a flavourful twist to your favourite dishes, including soup, risotto, and roasted vegetables.
Eggs
No cooked breakfast is complete without eggs. Boiled, poached, scrambled… eggs are incredibly versatile. As a source of certain B vitamins – B6, B12, and folic acid – eggs reduce levels of a compound called homocysteine, found in blood. High levels of homocysteine have been associated with cognitive impairments, Alzheimer’s disease, and increased risk of Stroke. So, reducing homocysteine in our body can only be a good thing! Other B-rich foods include fish, chicken, and leafy greens.
Broccoli
Your mother didn’t tell you to eat your greens for nothing! Broccoli contains vitamin K, which enhances cognitive function and improves overall brainpower. Researchers also believe it can slow down the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter we need for the central nervous system. So, if you’ve got a big meeting coming up, make sure you pack your dinner full of broccoli the night before.
Including these foods in your everyday diet can really help boost your brainpower – something we all want and need. If you have any concerns about your diet and lifestyle don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here.
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