Thursday, November 19, 2015

Brain Health: the Best Foods to Boost Your Cognitive and Concentration Power


 A study by AARP found that 98% of the respondents said maintaining and improving brain health is important. But only 50% are participating in activities – such as eating healthy diet and exercising – for good cognitive health.


Nutrients aren’t just important for your physical health, they are must for your cognitive function and improvement of memory.

You’re eating foods but you need to know which ones are the best and essential for your brain health.

Ok, I am going to show the best foods you should eat to keep you brain healthy.


1. Tomatoes




Tomatoes are a very good source of two essential antioxidants – lycopene and beta-carotene. They help in functioning of your brain well, and protecting your brain from radical damage to cells and brain inflammation.


Studies found that patients with mild cognitive problems as well as Alzheimer’s disease have lower levels of lycopene.


2. Walnuts




Walnuts are rich in antioxidants including vitamin E, and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid which is a primary structural component of your human brain.


Walnuts are helpful in protecting brain health of newborns, improving cognitive performance in adults, and preventing age-related cognitive decline.
Moreover, you can eat hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, peanuts, and sesame seeds to improve cognitive health.


3. Oily fish




Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish aid in keeping your memory sharp, showing down brain health decline, and reducing the risk of stroke and dementia.

Examples of oily fish include salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, kippers, and herring. Eat these fish at least one a week.


4. Berries




Berries are a great source important nutrients for your physical and cognitive health. They are good for improving short term memory, learning, and skill.
Berries, especially blueberry, are also helpful in declining age related conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s.


5. Whole grains and beans




Your brain cannot work without energy. And for the ability of brain to concentrate and focus need adequate and steady supply of energy. But how does your brain get energy? In the form of glucose.


Glucose is supplied to your brain through blood. And blood gets that glucose from your foods, primarily carbohydrate-rich foods.
Whole grains and different types of beans works to maintain energy supply to your brain. So don’t below estimate these foods.


6. Pumpkin seeds




Why pumpkin seeds are a big deal? They are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin E, Omega-3s, Omega-6, magnesium, and zinc.


And the nutrients in the seeds are vital for improving memory and thinking skills, and increasing brain function. Magnesium in pumpkin seeds has a calming effect on your brain.

 

7. Carrots and other vegetables



To help reduce inflammation of brain, restore memory, and boost brain health, you need to eat carrots and green leafy vegetables.

Carrots are also great for vision. Studies found that carrots help in slowing down cognitive decline.


8. Pomegranates




Antioxidants high amount in pomegranates are great in protecting the brain from the damage of free radicals. You can eat the fruit itself or its juice.
Pomegranate juice can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

 A research shows that this fruit can protect brain of infants if their mothers eat during pregnancy.

Pomegranates also contain glucose which gives your brain energy to function well.



9. Dark chocolate and coffee




Antioxidant and caffeine are great for enhancing focus, concentration, and mood. And when it comes to antioxidants and caffeine, dark chocolate and coffee are excellent option.

A cup or two of organic coffee is enough for your focus and brain power.
What about green tea and wine. Green tea can benefit memory and learning by boosting the production of brain cell. While wine contains resveratrol which increases blood flow and oxygen to you brain reducing cognitive decline.


10. Turmeric



Consuming a healthy amount of turmeric in your everyday’s meal can prevent brain cancer. A German study found that turmeric encourages the growth of nerve cell good for brain health.

 



Conclusion

This is not a complete list, but a list of the top foods which can boost your brain function and protect brain from various diseases. 

If you have more query regarding nutrients and foods for brain health, let me know in the comment.




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