What you eat affects your body as well as your brain. Your gut keeps your body’s inflammation and immune responses under control. Moreover, gut hormones which are made in the brain or enter the brain affect your cognitive ability, staying focused, processing and understanding information, and recognizing when you are full. There are already a number of foods that act as brain supplements so you won’t have to go to a pharmacy to keep your brain in tip top shape.
Foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, good fats, and antioxidants provide protection against brain diseases. As you age, your brain shrinks. This loss of brain cells and volume has been linked to cognitive and memory deficits. Eating brain healthy foods may slow down the age related brain loss. Here are some foods that feed your brain and keep it in tip-top shape:
1- Celery:
Even though celery may not be the best tasting vegetable out there, it can give your brain power a serious boost. It is a good source of the plant compound luteolin which is said to reduce inflammation in the brain and protect it from the aging process. This inflamation is often cited as the primary cause of nuerodegredation. Studies have shown that luteolin can slow down this cognitive decline. This means that eating celery could in fact boost your memory, an essential aspect of brain function, making it one of the best natural brain supplements.
2- Fatty Fish:
Fatty fish is one of the best brain foods. Fatty fish such as trout, sardines, and salmon are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids. More than half of your brain is made of fat, and 50% of that fat is the omega-3 type. Your brain requires omega-3s to build nerve and brain cells. These fats are essential for memory and learning. Omega 3 fatty acids can slow down the mental decline associated with age and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. An omega-3 deficiency has been associated with depression and learning impairments. Overall eating fish has a large number of health benefits so incorporating it into your diet is almost always a good idea.
3- Avocados:
Avocados are high in good fats and keep blood sugar levels stable. Theycontain folate and vitamin K and help to improve cognitive function and prevent blood clots in the brain. They contribute to healthy blood flow and improve oxygenation in your brain. Some studies have shown that avacados help your brain control your muscles as it helps the information carrying nerves. Avocado also contains vitamin B which relieves stress and keeps brain and nerve cells healthy. They are also often reccomended to people who have neurological problems like epilepsy.
4- Walnuts:
Walnuts are a great source of vitamin E, which has been shown to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. Vitamin E fights free radicals that are harmful for brain cells. They are also full of omega-3 fatty acids, to the point where just hald a cup of walnuts can provide the daily recommended intake of it. Research suggests that mothers who have enough of this acid end up having smarter kids, making them one of the most impactful brain supplements.
5- Blueberries:
Blueberries protect your brain from oxidative stress and ward off Alzheimer’s disease. Blueberries can improve the memory, brain activity, and cognitive performance. Blueberries are also a good source of protective antioxidants which are associated with better memory and coordination. Some research has shown that berries are also very helpful when it comes to reducing the chances of getting dementia as you get older and may also boost your working memory. This is likely due to the anti-oxidants present in blueberies that help keep the brain fresh.
6- Coffee:
Coffee contains caffeine and antioxidants, both of which are great for brain health. The caffeine in coffee keeps your brain alert by blocking the chemical messenger adenosine which makes you sleepy. Coffee also boosts happiness hormones like serotonin. Consumption of coffee may also improve your concentration levels. In the long term, the consumption of coffee has been linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Although most of coffees numerous benefits appear most prominently in the short term as it improves reaction time, learning and general brain function, although one can develop a tolerance for caffiene over time.
There is also a considerable amount of conflicting evidence regarding coffee and memory, with some saying that it improves short term memory and others saying that it does not. Research does say that drinking coffee after learning increases the chances of it having a positive impact on memory.
Consult a doctor if you have been experiencing memory difficulties and poor performance in thinking skills. You can find and book an appointment with a top Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
