To keep the body in good health is a duty; otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. ― Buddha
If you want your brain to be robust and working at its peak, then you need to be eating a nutritious diet. Not only is a healthy, well-rounded diet essential for your physical health, it is also necessary for your mental health.
Why is this the case?
Well, your gut helps to control your body’s immune responses and inflammation. And the gut hormones that access the brain or are generated in the brain influence cognitive ability (such as comprehending new information, remaining focused and realizing when you are full).
To protect against brain diseases and ensure your brain is getting sufficient energy, you want to be consuming foods that are loaded with antioxidants, “healthy” fats, and vitamins.
When you concentrate on providing your body with healthy, balanced foods that serve both the brain and the gut, then you are helping both your mind and your body and ensuring they maintain in the most vigorous possible shape.
What to chow down on?
But which foods are particularly important to keep your grey matter happy and healthy?
Obviously, some foods are loaded with more benefits for your brain than others, and they should, therefore, be prioritized in your diet. Here are six foods that ensure you are boosting your brain power.
1. Extra virgin olive oil
The brainiest of the brain foods, extra virgin olive oil is filled with powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols. These antioxidants not only enhance learning and memory but they also reverse any age- and disease-related changes.
Extra virgin olive oil has also been proven to fight against ADDLs, which are proteins that are toxic to your brain and provoke Alzheimer’s.
2. Whole grains
Every part of your body needs energy, especially your brain. A steady stream of energy (in the form of glucose in your blood to the brain) is necessary in order for you to be able to concentrate and focus.
You can maintain mental alertness throughout the day by eating whole grains with a low-GI; such grains will not let glucose loose all of a sudden into the bloodstream.
Next time you go grocery shopping, opt to purchase “brown” wholegrain cereals, granary bread, rice and pasta.
3. Bone broth
Filled with health benefits such as strengthening your immune system, defeating leaky gut, enhancing joint health and overcoming food allergies, bone broth helps heal your body from the inside out.
By healing your gut, this ancient food also heals your brain.
4. Tomatoes
One of the most plentiful sources of lycopene (it preserves the brain cells from any damage induced by free radicals), tomatoes are essential for increasing your mental ability as well as for fighting dementia.
5. Avocados
Too many people overlook avocados because of their high fat content; however, this fruit is one of the healthiest you can consume. As they are packed with the “wholesome” kind of fat (monounsaturated fats), avocados not only keep your blood sugar levels steady and your skin glowing, but they also prevent blood clots in your brain (defending against strokes). Avocados help to enhance your cognitive function, particularly your memory and concentration.
6. Pumpkin seeds
With far more zinc than most seeds, pumpkin seeds provide this essential mineral which is necessary for improving your memory and reasoning facilities. Not only that, but they also have an abundance of stress-removing magnesium, B vitamins and tryptophan.
Consider brain power supplements
Every year, our understanding of the links between diet and dementia is growing, but there is no doubt that a healthy, well-rounded diet is the best way to assist your brain in evading disease.
However, having a nutritious, well-rounded diet is easier said than done — especially with busy, chaotic lives.
If your diet is unbalanced (and trust us, that is normal), you should consider taking a multivitamin and mineral complex and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to help make up a few of the essentials.
To boost your cognitive functions and enhance your heart health, blood sugar and weight management, healthy aging, and athletic performance, take a caffeine pterostilbene cocrystal supplement for improved cognitive function (such as PURENERGY®).
Before including a new supplement plan into your diet, make sure to discuss it with your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.
AUTHOR BIO
Frank L. Jaksch Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer and a co-founder of ChromaDex. He oversees research, strategy and operations for the Company with a focus on scientific and novel products for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets. Mr. Jaksch earned a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from Valparaiso University.
