Eating adequate diet is beneficial for both mental and physical health. The brain plays the role of a command center in our body, and just like every other body part, the brain also requires some specific nutrients to work efficiently. By incorporating specific nutrients in our everyday diet, we can improve our memory and focus.
Everyone must include healthy foods in his or her nutritional regime to maximise the capability of the brain. Foods below are preventive foods and help boost brain health.
Here are 8 foods that can significantly boost memory and focus. Take a look!
Blueberries
Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants such as anthocyanins, tannins, resveratrol and proanthocyanidins. Including blueberries in your diet boosts memory and concentration because the antioxidants stimulate oxygen and blood to the brain and help in keeping the mind fresh. In addition to improving focus, blueberries also protect against certain heart diseases, dementia and cancer.
Green Leafy Vegetables
As a food source which is rich in antioxidants and carotenoids, green leafy vegetables boost brain memory and focus while protecting it from various conditions. They also contain Vitamin B which is exceptionally good at promoting overall brain health, power and memory. Some dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, turnip greens and okra have high amounts of folic acid which improves mental clarity. People with neurological disorders must include these vegetables in their diet.
Avocados
Avocados have high levels of monosaturated fats which keep the blood sugar levels in control. As one of the healthiest fruits, avocados contain folate and vitamin K in high amounts which prevent blood clots (a possible stroke) and improve cognitive function.
Pumpkin Seeds
Containing powerful antioxidants, pumpkin seeds protect the brain from getting damaged by free radicals. Apart from that, they are a rich source of iron, zinc, magnesium and copper. These four elements are responsible for stimulating several functions inside the brain.
- Iron helps in clearing out brain fog and improve function
- Zinc from pumpkin seeds enhances nerve signalling, and its deficiency has been linked with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and depression
- Magnesium boosts memory and learning and is highly beneficial for people with epilepsy
- Copper aids the nerve signals and people with copper deficiency are at a higher risk of disorders like Alzheimer’s disease
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is often called as a brain food because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The human brain is made of up to 60% of fat, and almost 50% of that fat is omega-3. Fishes like trout, salmon and sardine can be included in the daily diet to improve brain function.
Dark Chocolate
All of us have a craving for dark chocolates, isn’t it? These rich in magnesium chocolates stimulate the release of serotonin and endorphins, which heightens the mood and boosts memory. However, one should not have dark chocolates in excess as it is rich in caffeine.
Flax Seeds
Like other memory boosting foods, flax seeds are rich in magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin B. Mixing flax seeds in whole grains and then consuming it, allows the body to absorb it easily. You must consult a neurologist to know a number of flax seeds before you consume it to avoid serious brain disorders.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a common household spice in India and is used extensively in most dishes. Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric is linked to improving memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease. However, more than that curcumin helps new brain cells to grow. It also slows down the age-related mental decline. Curcumin can directly enter the brain, breaking the blood-brain barrier.
By including these foods mentioned above in your everyday diet, you can not only improve your brain’s memory and power but also protect it from age-related mental decline. Along with diagnosis, treatment and care, we at Max Healthcare lay special emphasis on a diet which works parallelly in aid with our treatment.
