Food For Thought: 8 Foods To Boost Brain Function

It’s no secret that the foods you choose have an impact on your entire body, but how often do you think about the most important part of you: your brain? Here’s a list of 8 foods to boost brain function that you should keep in mind to keep your brain happy and healthy!

1. To boost your ability to remain focused…
Go for whole grains. The body needs energy to properly function and complex carbs, such as whole grains, deliver a steady amount of energy that your brain needs to allow concentration and focus. Brown rice, whole grain breads and pasta are all excellent choices.

2. To boost your memory…
…make a point to consume fish a few times a week. The Omega-3 Fatty Acids that certain fish provide is an essential component to boosting and maintaining a healthy memory. Look for salmon or bluefin tuna as they are the best sources of Omega-3.

3. To boost your mood…
…munch on some pumpkin seeds! They are packed full of magnesium, B vitamins, and tryptophan which all contribute to the production of serotonin (aka, The Happy Hormone).

4. To improve motor skills…
…opt for some dark berries (think blueberries and blackberries) and cherries. These fruits provide ample amounts of antioxidants which is imperative for strong motor skills and balance from foods to boost brain function.

5. To reduce brain shrinkage…
…aim to eat a more dark, leafy greens. Foods such as collard greens, spinach, and kale all contain rich amounts of vitamin E, Folic Acid, and beta-carotene. Your brain will feel years younger from these foods to boost brain function!

6. To prevent brain inflammation…
…consume more carrots. Carrots are filled with a compound called Luteolin. This compound is a flavonoid, which helps to protect brain cells from the aging process by reducing inflammation. Other foods such as pistachios, egg yolks, and peppers are also a good source of Luteolin.

7. To improve blood flow…
…get yourself some beets! Beets are extremely concentrated with nitrates, which are then converted into nitrites once they meet up with bacteria in the mouth. These nitrites induce the opening of blood vessels, allowing for smoother blood flow through the entire body for foods to boost brain function.

8. To keep the blood oxygenated…
…cook more often with quinoa. Not only is it a complex carb, it is also a great source of iron, an essential component of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is required for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the brain. This is one of the great foods to boost brain function.

Which of these foods to boost brain function are you eating? Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Source: weheartit