The ten most important foods for a healthy brain
The ten most important foods for a healthy brain
Wholegrains:
May help improve concentration. Eat wholegrains lead to a release glucose slowly into the bloodstream. This helps keep you mentally alert throughout the day.
Oily fish:
May help promote healthy brain function. Oily fish contains essential fatty acids which cannot be made by the body, such as omega-3 fats that occurs naturally in oily fish from salmon, trout, herring and sardines. Also, some plants include it such as soya beans, pumpkin seeds and walnuts. These fats are important for healthy brain function and general wellbeing.
Blueberries:
May help boost short-term memory. The consumption of blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short-term memory loss.
Tomatoes:
May help prevent free radical damage. There is evidence to suggest that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, can help protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells that occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s.
Eggs:
Eggs contain B vitamins – B6, B12 and folic acid that are known to reduce levels of a compound called homocysteine in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of stroke, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Blackcurrants:
May help reduce anxiety and stress. They are very rich in vitamin C, which has long been thought to have the power to increase mental flexibility, and some research suggests that a deficiency may be a risk factor for age-related brain degeneration including dementia and Alzheimer’s. Other sources include red peppers, citrus fruits such as oranges, and broccoli.
Pumpkin seeds:
May help enhance memory and boost mood. They are richer in zinc than many other seeds, and supply this valuable mineral which is vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills.
Broccoli:
May help improve brainpower. Broccoli is great source of vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower. Researchers have reported that broccoli can slow the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which we need for the central nervous system to perform properly and to keep our brains and our memories sharp.
Sage:
May help boost memory and concentration. Sage has long had a reputation for improving memory and concentration.
Nuts:
May help protect healthy brain function. A generous intake of vitamin E might help to prevent cognitive decline, particularly in later life.