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We all know that food is important for your energy and physical performance, but what about for your brain health? Eating well for your brain’s health is a great motivator.
There are plenty of delicious natural foods that you can benefit from.
Most of us know that green vegetables and antioxidant rich foods are key for a healthy mind and body. Vitamins B, C, E and K are also great for supporting brain health.
Here is a list of specific foods that are great for boosting brain function and memory…
Blueberries
Not only are blueberries a great source of antioxidants, they’re packed full of vitamin C and K as well.
Vitamin C is great for immune system support which helps with brain function and health.
Vitamin K is known to help slow the decline of cognitive function.
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Beets
I heard somewhere that beets are now considered a superfood (I think it’s mostly speculation at this point though). Beets are great for your daily dose of antioxidants as well, but what else?
I’d rather have a blueberry smoothie than a bunch of beets, am I right?
Apparently, beets are used in fighting heart disease and high blood pressure.
Many high performing athletes have notices that it helps to elevate blood flow as well.
So basically, it’s like putting high quality fuel in your car. It helps keep everything on the inside clean and delivers more power to muscles faster.
Just like your car, it keeps everything running much more efficiently than other sources might.
Dark Chocolate
Again, loads of antioxidants (70% cocoa and higher). But dark chocolate also has a similar quality like beets do. Dark chocolate can help improve blood flow and ultimately blood pressure as well.
As far as brain function goes, the increased blood flow obviously means that the brain gets better blood flow. This helps to improve cognitive function in older individuals who have some sort of mental dysfunction.
Dark chocolate helps with general function of the brain but also the ability of the brain to connect thoughts to words.
Basically everything that has to do with the “behind the scenes” of speaking. So amazing!
Strawberries
Along with vitamin C, strawberries have antioxidants as well – flavonoids to be exact.
This specific antioxidant is responsible for improving cognitive health and maintenance. The same it true for raspberries! Sounds like a fruit salad would be a great addition to our weekly diets.
Nuts
I keep seeing the most health advice about almonds, walnuts and pecans. Although eating more nuts in general is a great way to boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
Nuts also contain antioxidants which I was surprised to learn.
I don’t typically think of that type of protein and fat filled food to also be a good source of antioxidants.
Vitamin E is also found in a variety of nuts.
This is great for combating the damaging effects of certain stressors in the brain.
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Purple Grapes
Grapes (specifically purple grapes) contain vitamin C and vitamin K. They also contain antioxidants which of course help with cell repair.
To touch on this, oxidative stress of the state that happens when free radicals damage cells and antioxidants protect further damage from happening as well as with repair.
While we’re on the subject, grapes don’t lose this ability after fermentation so enjoying a regular glass of red wine can help keep your body healthy – in moderation of course.
Spinach
Spinach and other leafy greens are loaded with vitamins. Vitamins K, E and B can be found in spinach, which is known to help slow the decline of cognitive function.
Spinach is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which as we know is also great for brain health.
Pomegranate
These superfoods are higher in certain antioxidants than other fruits. Increasing your intake by drinking pomegranate juice or eating them can have significant benefits when it comes to preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Apparently, we have this plaque-like protein in our brains and it’s believed that the buildup of this damaging protein is what leads to the development of Alzheimer’s. This buildup blocks neurons and the brain is no longer able to function properly.
Think of it like a dirty CD (I know, I’m showing my age a little).
The brain cannot ‘read’ properly and respond the way it’s supposed to when there is something in the way of the neurons.
This causes dysfunction and memory ‘loss’. It’s not that those memories aren’t in there somewhere, but the ability to retrieve them is just not able to work properly because of the blockage.
I can go on and on by describing so many other natural foods that are amazing for your brain health.
If nothing we covered is anything, you’re particularly interested in eating more of, here is a brief list of more powerhouse foods that will serve your brains health.
Carrots, Yams, and Sweet Potatoes – pretty much any orange veggie.
Kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, avocado and peas are also great vegetable type sources that all are packed full of vitamin K.
If you’re doing everything you can to get some extra vitamin K, beef liver is an amazing source of vitamin K as well!
What’s that?
You’d rather just increase your vegetable intake? Same here. My dad used to prepare beef liver when I was a kid and while I enjoyed the taste, I quickly outgrew the texture and smell.
Most cheese and even bacon (okay, now we’re talking) is known to have vitamin K, although these two options obviously should be eaten in moderation.
If you have any type of brain issue/disease in your family, it could be very helpful to start implementing healthy eating habits.
I have a family member who is doing everything she can to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s and is really gaining some ground!
I think it’s absolutely amazing that by eating well and exercising, you can essentially ‘turn the ship around’ with your family’s hereditary state of health.
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