Think it over

8 foods you need to eat for a healthy brain

As is proven by research, the nutritional choices we make determine the quality of our overall health to a great extent. When it comes to your brain, it will very well be what you eat. Put more simply, our brain needs nourishment just like the rest of our body. But indiscriminate eating will not do. 

The following 10 foods can prevent your brain from neurological degeneration.

Blueberries

Blueberries have in them a compound that has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which means that these little berries of goodness can reduce inflammation, which in turn can reduce the risk of brain aging and neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, research has revealed that antioxidants aid the communication between brain cells.

Eggs

Eggs are full of B vitamins and a nutrient called choline. B vitamins slow down cognitive decline, whereas choline is the catalyst the body uses to create neurotransmitters such as Glutamate and Serotonin that are responsible for mood and memory.

Fatty Fish

Trout, Salmon, and Sardines contain ample amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the production of brain and nerve cells.

Fruits

Fruits rich in vitamin C such as oranges, bell peppers, guava, kiwi, tomatoes, and strawberries, can slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by preventing the cells of the brain from becoming damaged. Vitamin C is also good for overall brain health.

Leafy Greens

Nutrients such as vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene are abundantly found in leafy greens like broccoli, collards, spinach, and kale. These nutrients are very important because they help with the formation of fat inside brain cells and have been found to play an important part in improving memory.

Nuts

Nuts have healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E, which are beneficial for both the brain and heart. Walnuts, which are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids go a long way in helping to improve brain function. In fact, a regular intake of nuts have been linked to improved cognition, sharper memory, and slower mental decline.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, as well as minerals like zinc, magnesium, copper, and iron. Zinc is used up by the brain for nerve signaling, magnesium for learning and memory, copper for controlling nerve signals, whereas iron helps with preventing brain fog.

Tea & Coffee

The caffeine and antioxidants that are found in tea, and coffee augment brain function and improve alertness. Green tea is doubly beneficial as it also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can cross over the blood-brain barrier and increase neurotransmitter activity.