Brain is the Powerhouse and control system of the body and a healthy brain is a healthy body. A sharp brain is known for its Intelligence, proper movement, feeling emotions and impact on the structure of the body. Everything that we consume impacts our body directly and indirectly. A healthy brain impacts cognitive functions, cardiovascular health, nervous system and even our day to day working. As we age, it is important to take proper care of our brain.
Here are a list of 7 superfoods to include in your diet to sharpen your brain:
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are at the top of the list, although all berries have a beneficial effect on brain health.
In addition to vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and phytonutrients, they contribute to the body’s essential nutrients. These nutrients help improve blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, leading to an increase in concentration.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is a great spice for enhancing the flavour of the food as well as great food for boosting brain health. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components which is linked to provide various health benefits for the body as well as brain. Curcumin is known to boost the memory. It’s known to treat patients with Alzheimer’s, Curcumin is a superfood to improve memory and boosts serotonin and dopamine level in the body, both of which are known to improve mood. Turmeric is also a great food which helps in the growth of new brain cells. Curcumin also boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is a type of growth hormone that helps brain cells grow.
3. Walnuts
Nuts are a great addition to any diet regimen, but the one that contributes most to brain health is walnuts. Walnuts contain twice the amount of antioxidants compared to all nuts. It contains an excellent source of alphalinolenic acid ALA, which is a plant based Omega 3 essential fatty acid that helps to counteract cognitive decline by suppressing oxidative inflammation and stress.
4. Broccoli
Broccolis have strong plant compounds including antioxidants in them. Brocolli contains Vitamin K, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is essential for forming sphingolipids, a type of fat that’s densely packed into brain cells. Beyond vitamin K, broccoli has a number of substances that help to inhibit inflammation and oxidation which may aid in the prevention of brain damage.
5. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain powerful antioxidants that protect the body and brain from free radical damage. They are also an excellent source of magnesium, iron, zinc and copper. Magnesium is known for enhancing the learning and memory, whereas low magnesium level in the body is associated with neurological disorders including depression, migrane etc. The copper is used to control the nerve cells, whereas the iron deficiency can lead to brain fog and impaired brain function. Hence, consuming pumpkin seeds in your daily diet fulfills the nutritional requirements of the body.
6. Dark chocolates
Here is a great reason to include dark chocolate in your diet if you have a sweet tooth! Dark chocolate’s flavonoids aid learning and memory and prevent cognitive decline. Powerful antioxidants and natural stimulants like caffeine, dark chocolate can help not just improve your memory, and even your mood! Dark chocolates are known to boost your memory and even your mood.
7. Avocados
Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which reduce high blood pressure and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. They’re also rich in vitamins like vitamin K and Folate, which help you remember better; it helps with your ability to process the information as well as reducing risk of a brain stroke.
