Your brain is affected by everything you do.
The foods you eat, supplements, exercise, sleep, stress, thoughts – it all affects the most complex organ in your body: your brain.
And when it comes to focusing on a healthy lifestyle, it’s easy to forget about the importance of caring for the health of your brain.
This organ is important for so many areas of your life: stimulating the growth of nerve connections, improving cognition, increasing energy, stabilizing mood, and improved focus and memory are just a few.
If you’d like to support and improve your brain health, try including these 7 brain boosting foods in your diet:
WILD CAUGHT SALMON
Salmon is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, which is the main PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) in the brain. Including omega 3 fatty acids in your diet may help to reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function.
Other food sources of omega 3’s include: mackerel, tuna, nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, oils (coconut, walnut, avocado, olive, sesame).
DANDELION GREENS
Prebiotics are abundant in dandelion greens and help to fuel the healthy bacteria of your gut, and studies have shown that your gut bacteria has a direct impact on the health of your brain.
Other food sources of prebiotics include: garlic, onions, leeks, apples, asparagus, jicama, bananas, chicory root, oats, flaxseeds, wheat bran, and seaweed
BROCCOLI
Both choline and vitamin K have been shown to help improve brain function, and broccoli contains both of these important nutrients. Choline is considered critical for brain development and memory, while vitamin K helps breakdown fatty acids in the brain.
Other food sources of choline include: shrimp, eggs, chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, collard greens
Other food sources of vitamin k include: kale, collard greens, swiss chard, spinach, brussels sprouts, green beans, green peas, avocados, kiwi, and chicken
BLUEBERRIES
Antioxidants are incredibly beneficial to brain health because they reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are two major contributors to neurodegenerative diseases.
Other food sources of antioxidants: raspberries, strawberries, artichokes, goji berries, beets, red cabbage, kale, spinach, pecans, dark chocolate, and raw honey
TURMERIC
The most active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties – helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
Increasing the bioavailability of curcumin: consuming curcumin with black pepper, or by using the fresh turmeric root is the best way to increase bioavailability
DARK CHOCOLATE
Cacao has been shown to have many positive effects on the brain that impact cognition, memory, learning, and mood. But not processed cocoa or sugar laden chocolate bars – I’m referring to 80% (or more!) dark chocolate made from real, unprocessed cacao.
Best brands of cacao: Camino, Prana, and Francois Pralus
PROBIOTICS
As mentioned above (see Dandelion Greens), the bacterial balance in your gut has a big impact on your brain. While prebiotics help to feed the healthy bacteria, colonizing the gut with healthy bacteria is obviously important too.
Other food sources of probiotics: yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, kombucha, and pickles
Supporting your brain health is important for every day living, but it also supports the health of your gut (because we know they’re connected!) – making it a critical organ to keep strong and healthy.
