Foods that keep your mind sharp

Your brain is a powerful organic machine that constantly operates at a super-high speed. In one way, it works a bit like a scanner: receiving millions of signals from your body every millisecond, your brain needs to filter and manage every signal that comes in, to control movement, thoughts, sensations, bodily functions and social interactions. All of this while calculating and reacting to subconscious stimulus and keeping you alive every second of the day.

Phew! To keep this complex machine running at its best, your brain needs fuel – and not just any fuel: certain foods pack a brain-boosting punch, so make sure to pack them in your next lunchbox:

Wholegrains: Get energised from “brown” low-GI wholegrains that can give you a boost to keep you mentally steady. Glucose is released into your bloodstream and then into your brain.
Nuts: Walnuts specifically sit high on the nut food chain as a mental booster. Nuts are loaded with high Omega-3 fatty acids that support cognitive function to help you concentrate. Nuts rich in zinc and Vitamin B6 promote concentration too. This allows your brain to produce dopamine, to allow brain cell communication.
Broccoli: High in Vitamin K, this green brain friend enhances brainpower and has compounds that the central nervous system needs to perform properly and keep your memory and brain sharp.
Beetroot: The compounds found in beet boost blood flow to the brain that helps with mental performance.
Blueberries: These vitamin-rich berries can protect your brain from oxidative stress (an imbalance between the production of free radicals and your body’s ability to fight them off). Blueberries have the necessary antioxidants to stimulate blood flow and oxygen to your brain.
Fish: Your body can’t make essential fatty acids, which means you must get them from your diet. Effective Omega-3 fats that help with brain function have good levels of fatty acids that can help you manage stress and make that good mood brain chemical, serotonin.
Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc which plays an essential part in enhancing memory and Also packed with magnesium which has a calming effect on the brain.
Tomatoes: Packed with powerful antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene that can protect your brain from free radical damage.
Banana: These curvy fruits are great “mood food”. Bananas have excellent vitamins, minerals and amino acids to improve brain function. Getting enough amino acids may help you stay calm and focused.
Avocado: Contains good fats that contribute to healthy blood flow, which is vital for the function of the brain. Eat in moderation as they’re high in calories, though.

Prevent mental decline

Your brain has approximately 100 billion neurons which communicate with each other via your brain chemicals; neurotransmitters. Critical vitamins for brain health are Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B9, Vitamins C, D, E, and magnesium; all of which can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Prevent mental decline

References: