When you’re at work or at school and you’re forgetful, struggle to concentrate or process new information, this could be a result of your diet. As most know, what we eat plays a significant role in how our brain functions. Today, scientists are further discovering how foods can nourish our brains. Not all foods fall into this category – not even all healthy foods fall into this category. The foods that can boost your memory (and offer numerous other benefits) are called “brain food.”
Brain foods are loaded with:
- Antioxidants
- Good fats
- Vitamins
- Minerals
All of this protects our brain from diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. And, of course, it can also boost our memory and help us concentrate at school or work. Brain food may be targeted to people who are 40 and older, but let’s be honest – we can all benefit from food that nourish our minds. There are many out there, but these four top our list as the best (and tastiest).
Blueberries
You should snack on blueberries daily because, not only do they taste great, it’s one of the highest antioxidant-rich foods…ever. Blueberries contain gallic acid ( an organic acid found in a many foods that are high in antioxidants). Gallic acid helps protect our brain degeneration and stress. Why do we want to keep stress far from our brain? Excessive stress on the brain can lead to the production of cortisol. High levels of cortisol can weaken the brain and hinder its ability to function properly. So let’s all eat some blueberries!
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is brain food that you can incorporate in every aspect of your life. We listed it as one of our seven best carrier oils for healthy skin, and you can use it in food for baking, cooking and frying. Coconut oil is also a natural-inflammatory that keeps cells responsible for inflammation away. It has been shown to help with memory loss, although no published clinical trials have yet been tested. However, this fruit oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which has been proven to help patients improve their memory. We recommend using virgin coconut oil and taking one tablespoon a day for added benefits.
Avocado
When you thought this buttery, fruity delight couldn’t get any better, it turns out that avocado is a brain food. It’s rich in vitamin E, which is good for Alzheimer patients. It is also a high source of healthy fat that increases blood flow to the brain. That means more oxygen and nutrients go to your brain and help with your memory. You can eat this delicate treat in a number of ways: on a salad, as avocado toast, or even on its own. We also love it because it’s antibacterial and has anti-wrinkle properties which makes it a great topical beauty product. We recommend that you enjoy a spa day every Sunday (if possible) and enjoy our luxurious DIY avocado facial.
These brain foods are our three favorites, but we don’t want to neglect all the other brain foods you should incorporate into your diet. So here’s a list of a few others that help strengthen the mind, improve memory and concentration and allows you to function better at school or at work.
Other Brain Foods to Enjoy
- Dark chocolate
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Rosemary
- Turmeric
- Talnuts
- Fatty fish
- Green tea
- Coffee
- Oranges
- Eggs
You can find similar foods by reading Heart Healthy Food to Prevent Heart Disease.