7 Foods to Improve Brain Health

[Guest Post by Karen from RealEnergyFood.com]

Do you ever find yourself walking into a room and then forget why you went there in the first place? Or maybe you forget about even just the little things like where you last put your car keys. We often brush this aside thinking that we’re human and we can make mistakes, but it can be a sign that your brain is not working at its optimum ability.

The brain is a complex organ and a very important one. Aging can change the brain’s size, cognition and vasculature. Just as we take care of our body, we should also ensure that our brain is healthy. One way to start is to eat the right foods that can positively affect how the brain functions. Yes, there are foods that are good for the body and good for our brain and we’ve rounded up 7 of them.

7 Best Brain Foods

1. Nuts

Eating these crunchy snacks is good for your brain because they are a great source of Vitamin E. There are different types of nuts and there are some that are better for your brain than the others. Right at the top of the list are walnuts because they contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acid known as the DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid).

2. Avocados

Avocados are considered one of the healthiest foods available. It is chock-full of nutrients that are good for your body and for your brain. For one, it is high in monosaturated fat, a good fat that helps reduce the risk of stroke. It is also rich in folate which is helpful in maintaining cognitive function and memory.

3. Salmon

Salmon is packed with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a type of omega-3 fatty acids that is found in oily fish. Eating a sufficient amount of food rich in omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of chronic illness like cancer, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Spinach

Green leafy vegetables like spinach are full of vitamins and minerals. Spinach contains antioxidants that fight off free radicals in our body. These free radicals can cause our mental health to decline. It is also rich in lutein, folate and beta-carotene that helps in preventing dementia. Although not everyone loves spinach, this healthy green veggie needs to be included in your diet.

5. Broccoli

Broccoli is another healthy brain food because it is high in Vitamin K, potassium, choline and this is one vegetable that is low in calorie content. It is the potassium content in this vegetable that aids in stabilizing blood pressure and ensure the maintenance of healthy brain function.

6. Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are another brain food that promotes the proper functioning of the brain. It contains choline and B vitamins that are essential for brain development. With inadequate amount of choline and Vitamin B, you may be putting yourself at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.

7. Blueberries

This is one superfood that is loaded with antioxidants that can improve one’s memory and learning capacity. Aside from antioxidants, blueberries are also a good source of Vitamin C, K and fiber. This delicious fruit can be eaten raw, frozen and can be added onto other foods like oatmeals and cereals.

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Karen, founder of RealEnergyFood.com, is an integrative nutrition health coach who is passionate about helping people boost energy levels, lose weight, clear up their skin & improve their health through finding the right foods that work for their unique body. With a Science degree from the University of Western Australia and certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Karen works with clients all over the world through one on one coaching and group programs. Karen’s mission is to help people get energized and achieve food freedom so they can concentrate on the important things in life.

Find out more here.

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