Eating doesn’t only lighten your mood and strengthen your muscles but it can also boost your brain power and improve your cognitive performance. Adding brain-friendly foods to your diet can sharpen your thinking, clear your memory, and help you learn new skills faster.
These brain foods are known for increasing blood flow throughout the body, meaning your brain and your heart can benefit from these healthy snacks as well. So start eating smart by incorporating these power foods into your regular menu. Incorporate these 5 foods to boost your brain power and notice a world of difference!
- Curry
Not only does this spicy dish clear your sinuses but it can also clear out your brain. Turmeric, the fiery spice that makes curry that yellow-hot color, is also responsible for clearing plaque out of your brain. Amyloid plaques, the protein buildups thought to be responsible for causing Alzheimer’s in some patients, affect the physical structure of the brain tissue and can disrupt brain function depending on how rampant the buildup is. By eating curry, you can break down the plaque buildup and keep your brain refreshed and functioning.
- Sage
If you’ve ever used sage to add to your soup or salad dressing, you know how fragrantly wonderful this herb smells. But did you know that sage also has anti-inflammatory qualities that can help enhance your memory and improve your overall brain health? Sage has been shown to improve memory recall. Sage is also an incredibly versatile herb, which you can use to add flavor to hearty soups, create sage butter sauces, and even make into ice cream.
- Berries
Blueberries are among the most essential foods when it comes to boosting your brain power, but strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries all come with their own health-related perks. Studies have shown that cranberries can help patients revive brain functioning after mild to moderate strokes. Strawberries work to counteract age-related cognitive decline, and raspberries are rich in fiber to help strengthen the brain, reduce cholesterol, and lower your blood pressure. In fact, all berries are full of antioxidants, and recent studies are finding that these antioxidants can actually improve communication between neurons in the brain.
- Beets
The betalains in the beet are what give them the juicy, purple color, but for your body, these nutrients act as detoxifiers and anti-inflammatories. Beets are also rich in natural nitrates that can work to improve memory and cognitive functioning. The nitrates help dilate your blood vessels, increasing blood flow to your brain in order to help you improve your memory retention. Beets are some of the most diverse vegetables in the food pyramid. You can pair them with other veggies by adding them in your salads or bulk up your fruit smoothies by blending them into the mix. If memory loss is one of your major health concerns, eat more beets and other foods that will work to strengthen your memory.
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes are excellent for your brain health, primarily because they contain the antioxidants, lycopene and beta-carotene. These antioxidants help eliminate free radicals, which are the main cause of inflammation in the brain that occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s. If you don’t like eating tomatoes on their own, try cooking tomato soup or slow-cooked tomato sauce to get your healthy dose of antioxidants.
While these top five foods will boost your brain power and cognitive performance, it is important to discuss with your doctor what kind of dietary changes are most healthy for you. If you have existing heart conditions, cognitive disorders, or mood disorders, some of these power foods can cause complications. Eat smart by researching which foods are best for your diet and how you can boost your cognitive functioning in the healthiest way possible.