All the daily things we do requires a good memory and optimal brain functioning whether you are in the office, school, or at home. The brain requires essential nutrients just like the way your heart, lungs and muscles do. Feeding your brain with superfoods helps maintain the proper brain functioning.
Superfood for Super Brain
Broccoli
Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetables and is widely known for its antioxidant properties. Broccoli contains a compound known as the sulforaphane that functions by strengthening the protective network of capillaries called the blood-bran barrier. Broccoli is also a good source of choline, a substance that plays an important role in retrieving stored memories. It has folate, an important brain-boosting nutrient.
Salmon
Salmon naturally contains omega-3 fatty acids, specifically high in DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that is widely known to benefit the heart. A recent study claimed that a regular consumption of food that is high in DHA could prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a commonly used spice in India for over 2500 years now. This bright yellow spice contains curcumin that shows neuroprotective properties. Many claims that this spice helps slow down the progression of neurodegenerative disease such as dementia and Alzheimers.
Wild Blueberries
Wild blueberries contain a phytochemical antioxidant, anthocyanin that claims to help reverse age-related memory deficits. The anthocyanin has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the inflammation in the brain, boosting cognitive functioning and protecting the brain from short-term memory loss.
Quinoa
Quinoa delivers slow-releasing carbs that provides adequate, steady supply, and energizing fuel for your brain. Also, it contains the B-vitamins that are all essential for brain functioning.
Asparagus
Asparagus contains adequate amount of vitamin K and folate that are essential for a healthy brain development. In many research studies, a regular folate intake support better cognitive speed in processing information and showed improved performance on memory tests.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills. Furthermore, pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of glutamate, which is required in the synthesis of y-amino butyric acid (GABA) an anti-stress neurochemical in the brain, helps reduce anxiety, and nervous irritability.
Whole grains
Oatmeal, whole-grain breads, and brown rice are known to reduce the risk for heart diseases. According to Steven Pratt, MD, author of Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods Proven to Change Your Life, “If you promote cardiovascular health, you’re promoting good flow to the organ system, which includes the brain.”
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are a good source of phosphatidyl choline, a precursor to acetylcholine production. It is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for memory. If you don’t have enough acetylcholine circulating in your brain cells it will be hard to pull that memory from your file.
Spinach
Juicing on spinach does not only provide a refreshing taste but also offers tons of health benefits. This leafy green vegetable is high in magnesium and potassium, both of which maintain the electrical conductivity of brain that affect the higher brain function like memory and learning.
Conclusion
Nutrients from the food we consume affect the brain health. Giving your brain a nourishing, well-rounded diet prevents our brain from diseases.