The Vivant –
The brain is the
primary control center of the human body. Not only it controls your thoughts, but it also ensures that all other organs are
functioning properly. The brain keeps your heart beating, lungs breathing and keeps you on your feet; needless
to say, the brain is kind of a big deal.
When it comes to being healthy, most of us tend to focus on physical health and overlook the mental aspect of our being. Brain health is crucial; therefore it is prudent to take good care of your brain and make sure it is in mint condition. Similar to how one pays attention to exercise and diet to keep our body in shape, it is just as important to do the same for the brain.
Our diet plays an integral role in keeping our body fit. Certain superfoods are super good for your brain, especially for enhancing your memory and focus. Make them a part of your routine diet. This works wonders in terms of , increasing concentration, and bettering one’s focus. Here are the 10 superfoods every one of us should use.
Fish
Fatty fish such as tuna, sardines, trout, and salmon are excellent for brain health. Potent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fishes can help the brain in multiple ways. 60{fd7a71754c4b2492a5acea4a7087fced0d4b8b0809d1d1a8bcd40133362fb51f} of the human brain’s constituents are made up of fat, half of which are of the omega-3 variant. Our brains use fatty acids to generate nerve cells which in turn help to boost learning and memory.
Omega-3 fatty acids have also been studied to reduce brain related age decline. This prevents the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. have discovered that a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids results in learning impairment, depression, and more.
Coffee
Everyone needs a
caffeine kick in the morning to start the day right. Very few actually know
that coffee is in fact really good for brain health and the body in general.
Coffee is packed with caffeine and antioxidants. The former helps increase
alertness by blocking adenosine, a neurochemical that induces sleep.
Increased alertness leads to sharpened concentration and thus improved overall performance. Additionally, it improves one’s mood by boosting feel-good neurotransmitters such as serotonin. The latter component is responsible for sustaining brain health by reducing inflammation.
Blueberries
Berries are excellent for the brain, especially blueberries. They are loaded with anthocyanins which are plant compounds that possess anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants. Antioxidants fight against inflammation and stress, both of which lead to aging and neurodegenerative stress. Blueberries have also been revealed to improve communication between brain cells and short-term memory loss.
Turmeric
Deep orange, warm, and gold, turmeric is a yellow-spice particularly famous in Asia. It is a key ingredient in curry powder. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is known to possess the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This means that this ingredient has a Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits are great for boosting memory, promoting brain cells production and growth, and alleviating depression. This is done by boosting one’s serotonin and dopamine levels.
Broccoli
If you are looking for a potent source of vitamin K, broccoli is the right choice for you. Vitamin K is essential for the formation of sphingolipids which are a type of fat packed densely into brain cells. According to research, increased levels of vitamin K result in improved memory. Additionally, broccoli also harbors antioxidants that protect the brain from free radical-induced damage.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are
a great source of magnesium, zinc, copper, iron as well as free radicals. Each
of these constituents plays an integral
role in improving brain health. Zinc is
an element crucial for nerve signaling. A deficiency in zinc is known to cause
multiple brain-related ailments such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s
disease, and depression.
Magnesium improves memory and learning. Depression, migraine, and epilepsy are said to result from a deficiency in magnesium. Iron is an element required by not just the brain but the entire body. An iron deficiency leads to impaired brain function as well as brain fogging.
Dark Chocolate
Delicious and
good for you; what more could one ask for? Cocoa is known to contain main
brain-boosting compounds, caffeine, and antioxidants. Flavonoids are plant
compounds loaded with antioxidants. Chocolate possesses flavonoids that gather
in areas of the brain that deal with memory and learning.
Research suggests that flavonoids also slow down age-related mental decline and improve concentration. The best part about chocolate, however, is that it is delectable and makes people happy, so it improves one’s mood too.
Nuts
Nuts are great for heart and brain health. Known to prevent the development of neurodegenerative disorders, nuts result in sharper memory. Dementia tests deduce the relation between nuts and improved brain health. People with reduced nut consumption showed reduced sharpness compared to those who use them regularly. Nuts are packed with vitamin E, healthy fats and antioxidants. Vitamin E prevents free radical associated brain damage in cell membranes.
Eggs
Who doesn’t love
eggs? Eggs are a potent source of multiple nutrients including vitamins B6,
B12, folate, and choline. Choline is necessary for the production of
acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that regulates one’s mood and improves
memory.
Vitamin B slows the progression of mental decline in the elderly. A deficiency in vitamin B12 and folate have been linked to depression and dementia. B12 synthesizes brain chemicals while regulating sugar levels.
Green Tea
harbors countless benefits. The healthier alternative to coffee, green tea gives you a caffeine kick that improves memory and focus and enhances concentration. A chemical unique to green tea is L-theanine. L-theanine is an amino acid that increases the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA which alleviates anxiety. It also improves alpha waves in the brain which allow you to feel more relaxed. Additionally, green tea is rich in phenols and antioxidants that protect the brain from mental decline.
are called superfoods for a reason. They protect the brain from damage and improve memory. Incorporate the use of these superfoods in your daily diet for the best results. Your brain health is just as important as your physical health. The reason why we should prioritize brain health over everything else is that the brain is the body’s prime control center. As long as the control center runs smoothly, everything will automatically fall in place and function well.
Evie Harrison is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs. Find her on Twitter:@iamevieharrison
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