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6. Almonds
Almonds are one of the most anti-inflammatory nuts around. In addition to that, they can slow the mental decline that often comes with age. These nuts raise the levels of serotonin in the brain – a vital neurotransmitter that controls your mood. Those who eat foods that stimulate higher levels of serotonin show lower rates of depression and more stable moods. Almonds also have vitamin E, which slows down the decline in cognitive function, especially among the aged. So grab a handful of almonds every afternoon for a brain-boosting snack that you can count on!
7. Dark Chocolate
Brain food doesn’t get much sweeter than this, does it? Antioxidant-rich dark chocolate is good for many things, but it is also a super brain food. Dark chocolate is also rich in a special type of antioxidant called flavonoids, which improves the blood flow to the brain, regulates cholesterol levels and lowers blood pressure. This isn’t an excuse to go hog wild! Just one ounce or so each day is all you need to get all the brain-boosting power you want.
8 Maca
This root is related to radishes and is most often found in a powder form. Maca has been used for centuries to balance hormones, alleviate cramps, as well as stop depression, feelings of anxiety, and mood swings. Many people state that maca helps improve their mental focus as well as their overall energy levels throughout the day. Take according to the package directions.
9. Coconut Oil
Your brain uses glucose as energy, but did you know that it can also run on more than one type of fuel? The thing is your brain’s preferred source of energy is ketones. Your body makes ketones when it converts fat (not glucose) into energy. Coconut oil is loaded with ketone bodies. Your liver immediately converts coconut oil into ketones, which are then released into your bloodstream, ready for your noggin to make use of them.
Although your brain can run just fine on glucose, there have been numerous studies showing that ketones can help to restore and renew neurons, and even nerve function, in the brain, even if damage has already begun. Therapeutic levels of used in studies are about 20 grams each day. This would be about two tablespoons worth of coconut oil each day to protect you from neurological disease or to treat those already in progress. Sounds like a small price to pay for a whole lot of protection, does it not?
10. Blueberries
Luscious, tasty blueberries have been linked to improvements in learning, memory, and thinking. This is due to the high levels of phytochemicals and antioxidants that reduce neurodegeneration oxidative stress. Compared to other fruits, blueberries are quite low in fructose. Wild blueberries are even higher in antioxidants and anthocyanins, which are known to guard the brain from neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
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Marvin Zinn
Dec 30, 2015 at 12:10 pm
WOW. That is the food I normally eat! I must be a genius, not even knowing how smart I was.
Gabe
Dec 30, 2015 at 2:14 pm
Indeed, you’re a smart feller. Say that real fast five times. 🙂