Keeping your brain healthy is easy when you fill your plate with a colorful variety of fresh wholesome foods. Enhance brain function and mental clarity with these five brain boosting antioxidant-rich superfoods.
- Blueberries
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Berries pack a powerful nutritional punch! Blueberries, in particular, contain some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit. While the body produces some antioxidants naturally, it relies on dietary sources to deliver a healthy dose of brain-boosting antioxidant defense. Rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, blueberries are low in calorie and high in nutrients. Research suggests that a diet rich in blueberries may improve both learning and motor capacity skills. For brain-boosting benefits, include berries in your diet at least two times a week (approximately ½ cup to ¾ cup serving).
- Chia Seeds
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Chia seeds are high in soluble fiber, which is an important component of digestive health. A diet high in fiber helps naturally lowers cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and makes you feel full longer. Chia seeds are high in alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), a type of short-chain omega-3 fatty acid that helps lower the risk of heart disease and boost brain capacity. Your body converts ALA to EPA and DHA (which are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids) which helps support brain and eye health.
- Walnuts
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Don’t fear the fat! Studies suggest that people who consume nuts daily are leaner than people who don’t. Nuts are not only nutrient-rich, they contain brain-boosting and cardio-protective nutrients such as unsaturated fats, vitamin E, potassium, and phytosterols. Regular consumption of nuts may lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, help with weight management, and moderate swings in blood sugar. Walnuts are a great source of protein, contain healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, and are loaded with dietary fiber. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to accelerated brain function, eye health, skin and hair health, and weight management. Enjoy a ¼ cup serving of nuts five days a week.
- Avocados
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Avocados are incredibly nutritious, containing high levels of fiber, folate, Vitamin K, E, C, B5, and potassium. It’s also one of the few fruits that contain healthy monounsaturated fats, with oleic acid being the most abundantly present. These “good” fats help promote cell development and regulate hormones and have been linked to improved cholesterol and brain health. Additionally, the healthy fat in avocados provides a wealth of positive nutritional benefits from aiding in weight management and satiety to enhancing blood flow to the brain!
- Salmon
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Salmon is one of the most nutritious, brain food-friendly foods out there! It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids to help keep your brain running smoothly and improve memory. If you have kids, feeding them salmon can help prevent ADHD by improving their focus. And these same fatty acids can also help prevent cancer and kill tumors
Please note that these benefits are for Alaskan wild-caught salmon — farm-raised and regular wild-caught salmon can be filled with mercury and toxins.
- 5 Foods to Boost Brain Function - April 18, 2024