Your brain controls everything in your body, from your sleep patterns to the secretion of certain hormones. As you age, your brain ages too, and this can cause weakness, memory loss, and the potential for cognitive diseases. To avoid these issues and keep your brain healthy and functioning properly, try these 9 superfoods to help enhance your brain health.
1.) Fish
Fatty fish, especially wild Alaskan salmon, is packed full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The brain requires these fats for balanced neurological functions. It also helps that omega-3 is capable of slowing down the progression of heart disease and prevents clots from occurring, which could lead to a stroke and the potential for brain damage.
2.) Avocado
It's got plenty of flavor and healthy fats, plus it is also packed with vitamin C and E, and loaded with antioxidants that destroy harmful free radicals. While each of these factors is amazing, the vitamin E stands out because of its ability to protect neurons in the brain, potentially extending the life of your brain cells.
3.) Lean Meat
Lean cuts of meat don’t have the heart-health threatening fat, while maintaining all of that wonderful protein. Proteins are the building blocks of life, making it possible for cells to grow and regenerate. By eating lots of protein, you are giving your brain a chance to repair itself between waking hours.
4.) Nut Butter
Almond and peanut butter give you a crunchy, flavorful, protein packed spread that is low in bad fat and high in good fat. Another food which is rich in vitamin E, nut butter is an enjoyable food for those who want to protect and enhance the brain.
5.) Coffee
Caffeine is known to give your brain the boost it needs when things get a little drowsy between tasks. Excessive amounts of coffee aren't good for the body, but in small quantities, studies show that it promotes focus and assists in quick thinking.
6.) Chocolate
This is another type of food with trace quantities of caffeine. Most individuals trying to promote brain health will choose chocolate because of the emotional response it provides. Chocolate is known for being able to promote feelings of "happiness" by releasing endorphins into the system. These feel-good sensations keep the brain feeling good for longer.
7.) Tomatoes
Spaghetti, salsa, and minestrone all have one common delicious and brain healthy ingredient. Tomatoes are full of a natural antioxidant called lycopene which helps to prevent free radical damage and lower the risk for diseases, such as dementia.
8.) Pumpkin Seeds
Zinc plays a huge role in the transmission of brain signals through the synaptic nerves. Pumpkin seeds are one of the 9 superfoods to help enhance your brain health, which offers more than one advantage. Along with zinc, pumpkin seeds are also high in fiber, vitamin B, and magnesium.
9.) Eggs
This type of food gives your body the good cholesterol it needs and helps to lower the bad cholesterol. This has an impact on heart health by preventing stroke and improving brain health.
Before trying the above 9 superfoods to help enhance your brain health, be sure to consult with your physician about any drastic nutritional changes you make. While most of the above foods are considered healthy dietary options, some of them may not be suitable for those with existing medical conditions.