8 Healthy Brain Foods to Keep Your Mind and Memory Sharp
It goes without saying that our bodies would stop working without a brain. The brain is the central command station of our body, and gives instructions to the rest of it, and makes sure all our body functions are running smoothly. It literally allows us to move as we want, create emotions, and think! For these reasons, your brain must be kept in prime condition all the time. Training and nurturing the brain with the help of brain food doesn’t just ensure that it’s healthy but also can improve concentration and memory. Here are 8 brain foods that you should consume regularly to sharpen your mind!
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1. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of the most nutritious brain foods. First of all, Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants that play a huge role in protecting your brain and body from diseases. They are also a fantastic source of brain-essential nutrients such as Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, and Copper. All of these micronutrients have their own qualities that help your brain flourish.
Magnesium helps us to grasp and learn better while refining our memory. Many neurological diseases like depression, migraines, and epilepsy are linked to Magnesium deficiency. Zinc plays a huge role in nerve signals and communication. Low levels of Zinc can cause Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In the case of Iron, low levels of Iron cause brain fog and impair functions. Lastly, Copper helps to control the signals of your nerves.
2. Dark Chocolate
A delicious way to sharpen your brain cells, Dark Chocolate has numerous brain-boosting attributes. The main components that are available in it are flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants. The components in this brain food directly affect our brain and how it works.
Flavonoids are a group of antioxidant plant components that positively impact our brain areas responsible for memory and learning. Dark Chocolate is also a proven mood booster. A happy mind equals a healthy one!
3. Turmeric or Haldi
Turmeric or Haldi might be a recent trend around the world, but in India, it has been used as a key ingredient in many cuisines and as a medicine for decades. But did you know that the spice so commonly used in curries and vegetable dishes works wonders for your brain?
The main active ingredient of this brain food is Curcumin. This ingredient crosses the blood-brain barrier, and thus directly benefits the brain cells inside your brain. The ingredient also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further, regularly consuming turmeric helps improve memory, and increases serotonin and dopamine in the brain- which helps to lessen depression symptoms in the long run. Last, but not least, it also helps in the regeneration of new brain cells.
4. Blueberries
This tangy and well-loved berry comes with many benefits for our brain and body. Any deep-coloured berries contain anthocyanins, which are plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As a result, Blueberries largely benefit brain ageing and curb neurodegenerative diseases. Brain Cells are also shown to communicate better because of blueberries. Other benefits it has are improving memory and contributing to cognitive progress in both- children and adults.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli contains really high and powerful plant components along with an abundance of Vitamin K. The necessary fat in our brain cells is called sphingolipid, and Vitamin K takes a huge role in its creation. Apart from this, Vitamin K is also linked to elevated memory and cognition. Broccoli is also a protector of the brain via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant elements.
6. Oranges
Much like apples, an orange a day keeps the doctor away! Your daily required dose of Vitamin C is packed into a singular orange. Vitamin C is one major nutrient that aids in preserving your mental health. High doses of the micronutrient can also be useful for productivity- as it is related to an increase in activities like concentration, attention, memory, and decision-making. Other brain food items that can provide a high dose of Vitamin C include- guavas, kiwis, strawberries, and tomatoes.
7. Nuts
One thing every Indian has been listening to since they were young is how beneficial nuts are for us. It is completely true, as they are good not just for your mind, but your entire body and well-being! Nuts are especially good for your heart, which means being good to your brain in accordance. Regularly eating a handful of nuts is associated with proper maintenance of cognitive functions, even as you age. All types of nuts, especially almonds have been proven to sharpen memory. In general, this brain food contains nutrients such as antioxidants, Vitamin E, and healthy fats that directly affect your brain positively.
8. Green Tea
A brain-nurturing hot beverage, Green Tea has properties like L-theanine that do wonders to your brain and also help relieve anxiety. L-theanine is a type of amino acid that is linked to reducing soothing your brain when anxious or nervous. The alpha waves of L-theanine also help your body relax without feeling tired.
Although excess caffeine is bad for you, the controlled caffeine level in green tea pushes brain activity, and makes you more alert and awake!
Conclusion
There are many food items and ingredients that can help your brain tremendously. The ones listed in this blog are simply a few among many. Different foods also impact and improve your brain functions in different ways. For example, fruits might have antioxidants that protect the brain. On the other hand, nuts are associated with brain development and sharp memory.
Imagine a food item that contains Dark Chocolate, Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, and Berries! Sounds like food for thought right? You can find all these ingredients and many more natural components in a Xinoa Bites Energy Bar. Next time you go grocery shopping, don’t forget to add these food items along with Xinoa Bars to your cart!