Nourish your noggin with these nutritious brain foods!
We all know that food affects how we feel and how we look. But now more than ever, we’re learning that what we eat affects how we think!
Eating nutrient-dense foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals doesn’t just fuel us in a purely physical way – it helps us grow new brain cells while warding off illnesses such as depression and dementia.
Lentils
We love lentils! 1 cup of lentils contains a whopping 90% of your daily recommended intake of folate – a vitamin responsible for regulating DNA and producing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine to regulate your mood, sense of pleasure, and clarity. Plus, lentils are a hefty source of magnesium, a mineral responsible for stimulating brain growth and controlling blood sugar.
Avocado
The avocado’s creamy green flesh is full of healthy monounsaturated fats which help lower blood pressure and support cognitive function. Not only is it a healthy fat of course, but it’s delicious!
Yoghurt
It’s no surprise that fermented foods make for a happy gut, but you may be surprised to learn that probiotic-rich foods also support brain function. In fact, bacteria in the gut produces two essential neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine.
Note: Make sure to avoid the pre-sweetened varieties at the supermarket and opt for natural types instead. We promise yoghurt is delicious without all that sugar. Have you tried to make your own, it’s easy!
Salmon
This fatty fish provides high concentration of nervonic acid (a monounsaturated fat) and omega-3 (a polyunsaturated fat), both of which help insulate and stimulate brain cells.
When you aren’t getting enough [omega 3 fatty acids], you can experience fatigue, poor focus, and memory issues. Not only does salmon increase your focus and allow you to better absorb information, but it can also help fight depression and anxiety – a fishy friend that’s good to have to be sure.
Spinach
Turns out Popeye was onto something. The high concentration of Vitamin K in this dark green leafy vegetable ensures your brain receives oxygen and helps insulate brain cells.
Turmeric
This super spice gets its signature yellow hue from curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient that prevents plaque buildup in the brain.
Beetroot
These deep red root vegetables are chock-full of natural nitrates to boost blood flow to the brain and improve cognitive performance.
Broccoli
This divisive cruciferous vegetable is an essential source of choline, a nutrient that boosts your mood, energy, and focus while improving memory. It has also been shown to prevent cognitive decline by regulating inflammation. So, while a lot of people LOVE broccoli (myself included) we also know that there are plenty of haters out there. Perhaps it’s worth giving the little green trees another shot?
Olive Oil
This kitchen staple contains hydroxytyrosol, a phytonutrient prized for its ability to protect the lining of blood vessels and oxygen supply to the brain. For an extra nutritional boost, use extra virgin olive oil in salad dressings or dips.
Rosemary
This bold herb, is a fragrant source of antioxidant-rich phytonutrients which helps enhance memory and concentration by facilitating blood flow to the brain.