The brain is a complex and powerful part of the human body that keeps working continuously from birth until death. This amazing organ keeps track of all our thoughts, creativity, emotions, movements, sensations, and memories.
For the brain to work continuously and support other organs, it must have a steady supply of essential nutrients from our diet, blood sugar, and oxygen. Being deprived of essential nutrients can lead to oxidative damage, inflammation, and injury to the brain tissues. This can jeopardize the sound functioning of the brain, including the memory, mood, cognition, and concentration.
Through a well-balanced wholesome diet of flavonoids, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, folate, and minerals such as potassium, iron, and calcium, you can improve your memory, promote sharpened reflexes, improve your cognition, and help ward off neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
* WalnutsWalnuts are chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids and boost thinking power. Omega-3 fatty acids have a protective effect on the brain as they rev up the functioning of neurotransmitters, which in turn improves memory and cognitive skills.
The presence of polyphenols in walnuts aids in inflammation by working with the brain cells to combat oxidants. Walnuts also contain memory-protective vitamin B6 and magnesium.All these improve interneuronal signaling, increase neurogenesis, and enhance the elimination of toxic proteins, which play a role in many debilitating and degenerative conditions of the brain and body.
* AvocadosAvocados are packed with copious amounts of monounsaturated fat, vitamin K, folate, and vitamins C and B. These vitamins are known to encourage cognitive function by promoting concentration and memory.
Packed with good fats, potassium, healthy monounsaturated fats, and vitamin B6 and C, avocados help maintain blood pressure. The presence of vitamin K helps prevent the formation of blood clots in the brain and protect you from cardiovascular ailments.
* Green TeaOf late, green tea has been on the radar of scientists for its exemplary antioxidant properties. Recent studies have hinted towards green tea as a team member of foods that help boost brain function.
Researchers at the University of Basel concluded that green tea extract increases the brain’s electrical connectivity, which in turn enhances cognitive functions and helps treat dementia.
* Dark ChocolateThe richness of flavonoids in dark chocolate may augment cognitive performance while reducing blood pressure and decreasing insulin resistance.
Flavonoids, being an antioxidant, can help decrease blood pressure, manage weight, and prevent cardiovascular diseases.Prolonged use of flavonoids can synergistically affect cognitive function by influencing neuron signaling.
* AlmondsAlmonds are an excellent food item to snack on. Aside from containing scads of healthy fats, they are also rich in protein, vitamins, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and more.
* BlueberriesTo keep your memory sharp even as you age, eat blueberries. The flavonoids, anthocyanin, caffeic acid, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, and tannins found in blueberries have a neuroprotective effect. They play a key role in improving memory, learning, and various other cognitive functions.
Flavonoids help protect the brain from age-related disorders by preventing free radical damage, which can harm healthy tissue and are associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.