Eating well is good for your mental as well as your physical health. The brain requires nutrients just like your heart, lungs or muscles do. These foods are particularly important to keep our grey matter happy.
Blueberries
These delicious berries are full of powerful antioxidants, which eliminate free radical damage that causes aging, and they also possess neuroprotective properties that can delay the onset of age related memory loss by guarding brain cells from damage caused by chemicals, plaque or trauma. They also combat inflammation, another factor in aging.
Tomatoes
There is good evidence to suggest that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's.
Chocolate
Sweeten your brain-boosting diet with the dark kind (at least 70% cocoa); it contains flavonoids, another class of antioxidants that some research links to brain health. Other flavonoid-rich foods include apples, red and purple grapes, red wine, onions, tea, and beer.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are wonder foods for your brain. Packed with protein and essential fatty acids, nuts and seeds are also chockfull of the amino arginine, which stimulates the pituitary gland at the base of the brain to release growth hormone, a substance that declines quickly after age 35; this is a real anti-aging bonus for your brain.
Bet on broccoli
A great source of vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower.
Green Tea
Green tea prevents an enzyme present in Alzheimer’s disease and is also rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that help prevent premature brain aging. Drink two cups a day to get the brain benefits.
Salmon
Salmon contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is best eaten steamed or lightly grilled in order to preserve the integrity of the omega-3s. If you are a sushi fan, you are in luck: Omega-3s are also present in raw fish.
Water
Every cell in your body needs water to thrive, and your brain cells are no exception; in fact, about three quarters of your brain is water. A small Ohio University study found that people whose bodies were well hydrated scored significantly better on tests of brainpower, compared with those who weren't drinking enough.
