Having a healthy brain makes a huge difference to your quality of life, especially as you age. Young or old, incorporate these foods into your diet to boost your memory and stay sharp. 1. Healthy fats Your brain runs on healthy fats so it’s vital that you include plenty in your diet. Fish are a great source. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are connected to lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. I recommend sticking to low mercury fish such as wild salmon, anchovies, Pacific sole and avoid the high mercury variety such as swordfish, shark, and king mackerel. If you’re not a fan of fish, it’s a great idea to supplement with krill oil as it can improve brain function and inflammation. Other good sources are coconut oil, avocados and eggs. Learn more on fats in my previous post here. 2. Blueberries These little fruits may reduce short-term memory loss. In addition, researchers at Tufts University in Boston found that eating blueberries actually reversed some balance and coordination issues in rats, and declining motor function is caused by brain decline¹. 3. Broccoli Actually, most cruciferous vegetables will qualify, but broccoli is one of the best sources of vitamin K, which has been shown to enhance cognitive function. Other vitamin-K-rich options are kale and spinach. Broccoli is also a good source of choline, a B vitamin known for its brain development. 4. Nuts Most nuts are a great source of vitamin E, which (much like vitamin K) has been shown to play a role in keeping your brain razor-sharp. Pay particular attention to walnuts, as they are triply good for the brain: they contain omega-3 fats, vitamin K, and vitamin E. No wonder they’re shaped like a brain! 5. Tomatoes If you have a history of dementia in your family, this fruit (or vegetable, depending on how you classify it) should definitely be on your menu. It contains an antioxidant called lycopene, which can protect cells against the free radical damage that characterises the development of dementia. 6. Coconut oil Your brain run on fats so a healthy source is vital for optimal cognitive performance. Coconut oil is an amazing choice because they are a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that provide instant energy to your brain cells. There are so many other benefits from coconut oil I wrote about earlier here. 7. Pomegranates This fruit is packed with flavonoids and polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that ward off harmful free radicals. Pomegranates also have potent anti-inflammatory properties that reduces the risk of major diseases. 8. Beans Lentils, black beans, and other varieties are healthy all around, with their protein, fibre, and vitamins, but they’re uniquely suited to supply the brain with the steady energy it needs, because they provide a stable source of glucose. Consume sprouted or soaked beans as this helps remove antinutrients that cause digestion issues and gas. 9 Red wine Go ahead, enjoy a glass with dinner. Studies have shown that red wine drinkers are at a lower risk for dementia and other brain diseases. 10. Sage This is an herb worth growing on your windowsill. Sage is famous for its memory-boosting qualities, and it makes a delicious addition to soups and salad dressings. So many of the mental and physical health problems plaguing the world can be solved by something as simple as the foods we eat (and the amount of activity we get…exercise is also linked to healthy brains!). Change your lifestyle now, and you’ll thank yourself for it later. Do you have anyone close by suffering from poor brain health? Share this with them! For more natural health tips visit our blog at: http://www.alkalife.com.au/blog
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