The brain controls all your senses, cognitive responses, memory and learning. All of your organs including the heart and lungs depend upon it. It is a good idea to keep your brain healthy and functioning. What you put in your body has a significant impact on the health of your brain. Below are the foods that boost memory and brain power.
Turmeric
Turmeric has also gained a lot of popularity for its numerous health benefits. It is also one of the best foods that boost memory and brain power. Turmeric contains a very important ingredient called curcumin. Research has found that curcumin is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, entering your brain and feeding its cells. Also, curcumin is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant compound that has been linked to positive effects on the brain. Additionally, curcumin has been found to help people with Alzheimer’s disease. Your brain has a growth hormone called neurotrophic factor that makes brain cells grow. Curcumin boosts this growth hormone , helping your brain cells thrive.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds offer amazing health benefits, especially for your brain. Their powerful antioxidants protect your brain and body from the damage caused by free radicals generated through oxidative stress. They are also rich in zinc, magnesium, iron and copper. All of these are essential for the healthy functioning of your brain. Zinc is particularly important for nerve signaling. You also need magnesium for good memory and learning capacity. Eat more pumpkin seeds for more copper, as it is essential for a healthy brain. Copper also helps control nerve signals and its deficiency may cause Alzheimer’s.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines, salmon and trout are particularly rich sources of Omega-3. Experts say about 60% of our brain is made of fat, half of which is the Omega-3 kind. Omega-3 is used by the brain for optimal functioning. This includes memory and learning. They might also slow age-related mental decline besides preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Coffee
Coffee contains antioxidants and caffeine, both of which assist your cognitive function. Experts say caffeine in coffee keeps the brain keep alert by blocking adenosine. Adenosine is a chemical messenger that makes us feel sleepy. Researchers have also found that drinking a large cup of coffee in the morning, or in smaller quantities throughout the day help concentration.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts are healthy for your brain, as they are rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids. Experts have found that eating nuts daily leads to better cognitive functioning in your later years. To get maximum benefits for the brain, eat walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts.
Avocado
Avocado is one of the important foods that boost memory and brain power. It is an excellent source of unsaturated fat for your brain. High blood pressure has been linked with cognitive decline. Avocados help reduce blood pressure, aiding the prevention of cognitive decline.
Green Tea
Green tea boosts the healthy functioning of your brain. Experts have found that green tea improves performance, alertness and memory. This brain-healthy beverage contains a particular type of amino-acid called L-theanine. It can cross the brain-blood barrier and increase the activity of GABA neurotransmitters. GABA reduces anxiety and helps you feel more relaxed and focused. Also, polyphenols and antioxidants in green tea help protect the brain from mental decline, especially with diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is good for your brain. This is because they contains brain-boosting compounds like caffeine, antioxidants and flavonoids. It has been found that flavonoids in the chocolates gather in areas of the brain responsible for learning. This gives you an enhanced memory and slows down the mental decline you experience with old age.