Brain Boosting Foods: What you need to know

We may choose certain daily foods to help us obtain glowing skin, prevent bloating and inflammation, but in recent discovery, there are a number of foods that can provide brain boosting benefits too.

The relationship between diet and brain health—from how to sharpen your mind and memory to starting Alzheimer’s prevention super early and add a sharpened awareness to our day. Eating a “well balanced” diet may change after reading about these unexpected brain boosting foods.

Photo via Life Love Food 

Salmon: According to Life Giam, “The healthy fats found in salmon are the same fats found in your brain. These omega-3 fatty acids are believed to be critical to the proper development and functioning of your brain. The “superstar” of these omega-3 fats is “DHA” (docosahexaenoic), which is found in rich abundance in fish such as salmon. A Chicago Aging Project study found that as little as one meal of fish per week could reduce cognitive decline by 12 percent! If you are short on time, try canned salmon or the salmon packed in a pouch, it is just as healthy and tastes great over a salad. Recommendation: One to two 4-5 ounce servings per week.”

*Sardines also offer robust amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Almonds: Almonds are high in calories because they are high in healthy fats, an excellent source brain boosting Omega 3’s that also lower LDL levels. Almonds can help stabilize your mood as well as slow down the ageing process. Almonds contain phenylalanine, a powerful little chemical that is shown to work in conjunction with the cognitive process to maintain neurological function.

Dark Chocolate: In addition to the endorphins and antioxidant benefits found in dark chocolate, the flavonoids in chocolate have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain in young and old alike.

Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a good source of choline, a B vitamin known for its role in brain development. Choline intake during pregnancy “super-charged” the brain activity of animals in utero, indicating that it may boost cognitive function, and improve learning and memory. It may even diminish age-related memory decline and your brain’s vulnerability to toxins during childhood, as well as conferring protection later in life.

Lentils: Lentils are loaded with folate, a B vitamin shown to help boost brain power. Folate also plays a role in decreasing levels of amino acids that can impair brain functioning.