The brain is the most energy greedy organ in our bodies, weighing only 2% of our total body weight but consuming more than 20% of our caloric intake.
It demands a constant supply of glucose and not much else to keep it running. As the control centre of your body, it is in charge of keeping your heart beating and lungs breathing an allowing you to move, feel and think. The foods you eat play a role in keeping your brain healthy and can improve specific mental tasks, such as memory and concentration.
This article list 10 foods that boost your brain and memory.
Fatty fish
This type of fish includes salmon, sardines and mackerel, which are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Your brain uses omega-3s to build brain and nerve cells and these fats are essential for learning memory. They may slow age-related mental decline and help ward off Parkinson’s disease.
Coffee
Two main components of coffee-caffeine and antioxidants help your brain. The caffeine in coffee keeps your brain alert and makes you more effective at tasks that require concentration. The antioxidants help reduce the risk of neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are packed with few brain-boosting compounds, including flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants. The flavonoids gather in the areas of the brain that deal with learning and memory. Chocolates also improve mood and can ease the pain.
Eggs
Eggs are a good source of several nutrients linked to brain health, including vitamins B6 and B12, folate and choline. Choline is known to promote enzymes necessary to maintain psychological health. Also being deficient in vitamins B6 and B12 has been linked to depression.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects your brain from hazardous free radicals. These free radicals can damage your brain. Lycopene is also said to improve weak memory.
Avocados
There is a misconception associated with this fruit that is has a high-fat content which is unhealthy. The high-fat content is mono-saturated fats that do not affect your brain health adversely. Aside from fat content, it contains vitamin K and folate that help combat factors that contribute to lack of concentration.
Coconut oil
Coconut is necessary to maintain psychological health. The nutrients found in coconut are effective to improve declining memory in older people and regular consumption of it helps people suffering from lack of focus.
Green leafy vegetables
Vegetables are powerhouses of nutrient and minerals especially leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, etc. are essential for your brain. These vegetables protect yours from memory loss.
Whole grains
As said earlier, the brain needs a constant supply of glucose for proper functioning. You should start your day by consuming whole grains which will provide immense energy to your brain to perform well throughout the day. Some of the options in this regard are oatmeal, cereals, wheat bran, quinoa, etc.
Exercise
Okay, you can’t eat it; but research suggests that regular exercise is as important, if not more, as what you eat when it comes to memory. Regular exercise helps you shake off some stress, giving you a refreshed memory to go through your daily activities.
Bottom line
Maintaining psychological health is important as it performs various functions. Eating healthy contribute immensely to your brain and memory power. Hence, incorporate foods above into your diet and keep psychological problems at bay.