Foods good for Brain Health

The brain is the central processing unit in our bodies. The more efficient the brain, the more efficient we would be; the dull it is, the dull we would be. The human brain controls every function in our body from displaying images to comprehending sounds to the movement of hands and feet to the formation of our perception and personality. 

Brain health is a critical subject. Certain foods improve the health, functioning and critical abilities of our brain. Let’s have a look at some of the brain’s healthy diets.

Fatty Fish 

Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. This acid strengthens the structure of the brain cells. Brain cells or neurons run along the length of our backbone. The stronger these cells, the stronger would be our nervous system. Other than strengthening, the fatty acid is associated with the growth of the gray matter as well as with sharpness of thinking and critical abilities.

Dark Chocolate 

Dark chocolate contains cacao which further contains flavonoids. Flavonoid is an anti-oxidant that is exceptionally good for brain health. Brain cells are more susceptible to oxidative stress. The stress increases with age. Oxidative stress is cancer for brain cells and it must be neutralized. 

Dark chocolate neutralizes the oxidative stress in the brain cells. It promotes the healthy growth of neurons which are associated with cognitive abilities. It also gives a boost to memory and learning.

Coffee 

Other than waking us up on a sleepy morning, coffee is also healthy for our brain cells. Two active ingredients make the coffee healthy for our brain cells. These are caffeine and anti- oxidants. Caffeine is associated with increased alertness, improved mood and sharpened concentration whereas anti-oxidants are associated with reduced risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Berries 

Like dark chocolate and coffee, many berries also contain flavonoid antioxidants that offer similar health benefits to the brain cells. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals and oxidative stress and by doing that protect the nervous system from a bunch of scary-sounding diseases. 

Berries are also helpful in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in brain cells. Inflammation is associated with brain aging and other neurological diseases. Anti-oxidants in the brain sometimes accumulate the brain cells and facilitate improved communication. 

Berries that are healthy for the human brain include strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and elderberries.

Nuts and Seeds 

Another source of essential oil and anti-oxidants are nutrition-rich nuts and seeds. Some seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids. Higher intake of nuts and seeds in old age is associated with better functioning of the human brain. Some seeds also contain essential vitamins such as Vitamin E which neutralizes free radicals and soothes oxidative stress. 

Almonds, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds are examples of seeds good for brain health.

Whole grains 

Whole grains are rich in Vitamin E. They offer similar health benefits of reducing oxidative stress, neutralizing free radicals and shielding the brain cells from the neurological disease in old age. Brown rice, wheat, and barley are some examples of the whole grain foods.

Avocados 

Avocados are packed with nutrients. They contain unsaturated fats that support the functions of brain cells. Unsaturated fats are associated with reducing high blood pressure thus lowering the risk of cognitive decline. 

Foods that are rich in unsaturated fats include avocados, almonds, chia seeds, and fish.

Peanuts 

Peanuts are another source of plenty of unsaturated fats and essential oils. They provide energy to the brain cells so that they can function better. Brain cells are delicate and they wear out after working the entire day. Peanuts provide small packets of energy to brain cells and make you feel fresh and at peace even at the most stressed times. 

Other than that, peanuts are rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins. The anti-oxidants found in peanuts are non-flavonoid and they help fight neurological diseases. Peanuts are best to avert diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Eggs 

Eggs are packed with nutrients from essential proteins to Vitamin B6 and B12 and Folic acids. These act as an anti-aging tonic for brain cells. They keep the brain cells young and help fight the cognitive decline. Moreover, they sharpen critical abilities, cognitive thinking and stimulate responses.

Broccoli 

Broccoli is rich in compounds healthy for the human brain. Broccoli reduces oxidative stress, neutralizes free radicals and reduces brain cell damage. Broccoli is also rich in Vitamin C which boosts the brain health of a person.

Leafy Green Vegetables 

Leafy green vegetables are also good for brain health. Broccoli, Kale, and Spinach contain anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They boost the immunity of brain cells.

Turmeric 

Turmeric is an herb with medicinal properties. It has long been used as an herbal cure and immune booster. Turmeric easily enters the brain cells and clear those of all the toxins accumulated there. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Turmeric eases depression and helps grow new brain cells.

Green Tea 

Teas dwell well with the brain cells. A cup of tea in the morning is a wake-up alarm for our neurons. Green tea improves alertness, performance, memory, and focus of the brain cells. It is brain healthy tonic. Green tea reduces the feelings of tiredness in the brain cells. 

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