It’s a no-brainer – one of the most important organs in the body is the brain! It’s the main hub for all functions that take place in the body. That’s why you must incorporate these 10 foods for brain health into your diet ASAP!

10 Best Foods for Brain Health

1.   Walnuts 

Have you ever noticed how walnuts are shaped like the brain? It’s one of nature’s miracles because walnuts are one of the best foods for brain health on the planet. 

These nuts are power packed with nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, DHA and antioxidants that are important for a well-functioning brain. 

Throw in a handful of roasted walnuts into a salad, cake, smoothie or protein shake for its brain benefits! 

2.   Leafy Greens 

Spinach, kale, lettuce, collard greens, you name it – it goes without saying eating greens is a very vital part of keeping your brain working well. 

Leafy greens generally contain nutrients like Vitamin K, calcium, iron, potassium, Vitamin E and B-vitamins such as folate. 

Potassium preserves the function of the neurons found in the brain that help transmit information from the brain to other nerve cells in the body. 

Enjoy your leafy greens in a salad, stir fried or hidden in a smoothie if you don’t like eating greens! 

3.   Fatty Fish 

Fatty fish contains lots of omega 3 fatty acids, hence it’s misleading name. It does not mean fatty fish contains. bad fat – it’s just full of nutritious omega 3, the health fats we all need! 

After all, the brain is mostly made up of fat which is the omega 3 fatty acid kind of fat.

Omega 3 is used by the brain to build nerve cells. It is also important for fast learning and good memory power. 

Eating fatty fish also helps thwart age-related diseases that affect the brain including Alzheimer’s. 

4.   Avocado 

 Avocados should be called Nature’s butter because they are so buttery! That’s because they are super rich in the healthy fat – omega 3 fatty acids! 

The omega 3 content in avocados increases healthy blood circulation in the body – which supplies the brain with oxygen. The brain as an organ uses about 20% of your body’s oxygen so it is very important to keep the brain well-oxygenated. 

Avocados also contain other essential minerals and vitamins which include Vitamin A, B, E and K as well as folate, iron, magnesium and potassium.

Have half an avocado a day, on your morning toast, in a smoothie or on its own! 

5.   Dark Chocolate 

Surprise! Chocolate is good for your brain! We emphasize dark chocolate here because it’s the one that contains more than 70% cacao content. Cacao is the superfood that makes dark chocolate healthy! 

Dark chocolate contains a number of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and also powerful antioxidants. All these improve cognitive function, alertness and increase blood flow to the brain.

Another reason to indulge in dark chocolate is because its flavonoids have antidepressant effects! Eating dark chocolate can alleviate symptoms of depression and beat the blues. 

If you don’t want the refined sugar or other additives in dark chocolate, then there’s another option! You can get your hands on raw cacao powder which can be put in smoothies, hot chocolate, baked goods and more!

6.   Berries 

Berries like blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are loaded with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants stave away free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the brain and entire body.

Research shows that consuming flavonoid-rich foods such as berries helped show down age-related memory loss or forgetfulness by about 2 and a half years. 

Pop a few berries onto your oatmeal, yogurt or fruit salad for their brain enhancing properties!

7.   Pumpkin Seeds 

Seeds also increase brain power and preserve brain health. Pumpkin seeds in particular are a source of zinc, magnesium, copper and iron. 

These nutrients help enrich learning skills and memory retention, control nerve signals and prevent neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. 

Pumpkin seeds can be enjoyed on their own (roasted is delicious!), added to a trail mix or sprinkled on yogurt, oatmeal and smoothies. 

8.   Turmeric

Turmeric is a deep yellow spice that is famous for giving curries their distinct flavor.

Its main ingredient is curcumin, which has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, enter the brain and nourish the cells found there! 

Curcumin has also been shown to increase the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein found in the brain and spinal cord. Studies  show that this protein has antidepressant and anti-stress effects on the brain.

You can take turmeric capsules or purchase turmeric powder and add a few pinches to smoothies, coffee, soup or make a tea with honey!

9.   Green Tea 

You’ve probably heard that green tea is good for trimming excess belly fat. But I bet you didn’t know that green tea is one of the best foods for brain health! 

First and foremost, green tea contains a whole host of antioxidants and polyphenols that guard the brain from free radicals which cause oxidative stress in the brain and body.

Green tea contains an active compound called L-theanine that has anti-anxiety effects on the brain. 

It also contains a moderate amount of caffeine that has stimulating properties that enhance concentration and increase dopamine levels! 

10.   Citrus Fruits 

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient you need for a healthy happy brain. Citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, lemons, kiwi, guava and strawberries are rich in Vitamin C! 

Research shows that Vitamin C-rich foods help protects against age-related mental decline. Vitamin C also staves off free radicals that can steal oxygen from brain cells. 

Eating one orange is all you need to satisfy your Vitamin C requirements for the day! 

You have reached the end of the article, ’10 Best Foods for Brain Health.’ Thanks for reading!