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Boost Brain Power with 15 Smart Foods

Brain Foods are foods that boost brain power, increase brain function, protect and enhance memory, help to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, protect the brain from degeneration, and improve focus for longer periods of time.

brain anatomyOur brains are powerful, organic machines that control all movement, thought and sensation, while calculating our needs and reacting with super sonic speed. The amount of data stored as images, text and concepts is mind boggling, and the brain works constantly, even while we sleep.

Foods that Boost Brain Power:

Here are 15 super foods that fuel our energy-greedy brains.

Avocado:

  • avocadoAvocados are a great source of mono-unsaturaed fats, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, potassium, vitamin K.
  • Increase blood flow to brain, lower cholesterol, and aid in absorbing antioxidants.

Coconut Oil:

  • coconutCoconut oil contains triglycerides to energize the body and leave glucose for the brain.
  • This oil helps prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Beans & Legumes:

  • lima beansBeans & legumes contain complex carbohydrates, and provide steady glucose supply for the brain.
  • They are rich in folate, contain B vitamins critical for brain function, and essential omega fatty acids.

Blueberries:

  • blueberriesThese dark berries are packed with antioxidants.
  • Blueberries protect the brain from stress and oxidative damage, premature aging, Alzheimer’s and dementia.
  • They contain flavonoids which improve learning, memory and cognitive functions.
  • Other super-berries are blackberries, goji, haskap and açai beries.

Broccoli:

  • broccoliBroccoli is rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, beta carotene, iron, fiber and vitamin K.
  • It remove acids and heavy metals that can damage the brain.

Chia Seeds:

  • chia seedsChia seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, and contain many antioxidants.
  • They help blood glucose levels, and are anti-inflammatory.

Dark Chocolate:

  • Hershey's dark chocolate miniaturesDark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants.
  • Its flavonols improve blood vessel function, improve cognitive function and memory.

Nuts:

  • walnut halfNuts are excellent for the nervous system and brain.
  • They are great sources of omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamin B6, and E.
  • Vitamin E protects brain from free radicals, which prevents dementia.

Quinoa:

  • quinoa grainsQuinoa is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and fiber.
  • It balances blood sugar, and provides essential glucose craved by the brain.
  • It is a good source of iron, B vitamins to balance mood and protect blood vessels.
  • Quinoa is gluten free and contains phytic acid, and saponins.

Red Cabbage:

  • red cabbageRed cabbage is full of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants benefiting the brain and heart.
  • It also contains cancer fighting glucosinolates.

Rosemary:

  • wild rosemaryRosemary improves cognitive function and memory, improves blood flow to brain, and improves mood.
  • It is an antioxidant and powerful detoxifier.

Spinach:

  • spinach - robkingfitness.comSpinach can prevent and delay dementia.
  • It contains nutrients, which prevent damage to DNA, cancer cell and tumor growth.
  • Its shown to slows the effects of aging on the brain.
  • Spinach is an excellent source of folate and vitamin E.

Sunflower Seeds:

  • sunflower seedsSunflower seeds & other seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, are rich in protein, omega fatty acids, and B vitamins.
  • They contain tryptophan, which boosts mood and fight depression.

Tomatoes:

  • cherry tomatoesTomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that combats dementia and might improve mood balance.

Whole Grains:

  • kamut grainWhole grains are rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber and some omega 3 fatty acids, which shield heart and brain from cholesterol, and blood clots.
  • They also contain B vitamins that affect blood flow to the brain.

So, the next time you get to the grocer, be sure to put these 15 brain foods on your list.

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Author: Ingrid Turner

Ingrid Turner from IngridTurnerToday.com, is a blogger, writer, grandmother, mother, cancer survivor and all around sparkling human being. From cooking, crafts, seniors’ issues, cancer, health, pets, gardening & the like, she entertains us in her writings. Ingrid is also a regular on her daughter's cooking show, “Cooking with Kimberly” @ CookingWithKimberly.com. Website Facebook Twitter YouTube

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