7 Ways To Boost Brain Power With These Healthy Foods
Do you find yourself feeling bogged down with brain fog and an inability to properly focus to get things done? Perhaps that afternoon soda and sugar-packed snack bar could be the contributors.
Below are healthy alternatives from New York Times best-selling author Max Lugavere to get your mind back on track!
Leafy Greens
Maybe Popeye had it right when he used spinach to make him strong. Not only do dark leafy greens contain powerful nurtients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which lead to higher cognitive processing speeds, but they also boost our mood. Kale, spinach, and chard contain magnesium which has been known to increase serotonin levels.
Kale, spinach, and chard contain magnesium which has been known to increase serotonin levels.
Dark Chocolate
Yes! Finally, an excuse to eat chocolate—but make sure it’s the 85%-or-more kind. Consuming chocolate has been linked to cardiovascular health, and more recent research suggests consuming the magical cocoa bean improves neurophysiological responses. Of the top listed benefits, working memory and visual-spatial memory significantly improved with daily chocolate intake.
Eggs
Instead of sugar-laden cereals or snack bars for breakfast, try protein-rich eggs which are packed with powerful memory-boosting nutrients, such as choline, an essential nutrient for proper neuronal signaling. Choline is the precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for memory and cognitive function and assists with learning and deep sleep. Adding eggs to your diet could make a huge difference in your ability to concentrate!
Coffee and Green Tea
It turns out that that morning java-kick is not only benefiting our morning mood, but it’s also improving our ability to protect against a host of neurological diseases. Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and even our chances of early death can be lowered due to our caffeine habit.
Coffee can also reduce inflammatory properties in our body, but beware of consuming too much: Coffee can wear down your adrenals, since it stimulates the nervous system, and can prevent healthy sleep cycles.
Green tea contains L-theanine and catechins, which are incredible at promoting tranquility while boosting our cognitive functioning.
Green tea has many of the same benefits, without the added jitters coffee can cause. Green tea contains L-theanine and catechins, which are incredible at promoting tranquility while boosting our cognitive functioning.
Blueberries
These delicious blue jewels contain brain-protecting powers called anthocyanins. These compounds can protect our brain against aging and can be added to a chocolate smoothie or simply eaten as a snack.
Fatty Fish
Salmon, sardines, and tuna all contain essential compounds called EPA and DHA. EPA is an anti-inflammatory and has been linked to fighting depression, and DHA is linked to the health of neuronal membranes. Doctors recommend eating fatty fish one to two times a week for optimal health.
EPA is an anti-inflammatory and has been linked to fighting depression, and DHA is linked to the health of neuronal membranes.
Water
As simple as it sounds, staying hydrated can prevent mental fatigue and other harmful effects on our organs. According to physical therapist Trent Nessler, our bodies rely on water, and if we're even mildly dehydrated, our bodies don't run as efficiently. Try to drink a half an ounce to an ounce of water for every pound you weigh. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 to 150 ounces of water a day.
Closing Thoughts
Incorporating these simple health-foods into your diet can reduce the risk of many diseases and improve our brain performance for a healthy and happy life!