The Worst and Best Foods for Your Brain Function
What we eat has a direct impact on our brain health. Consuming the right foods can improve brain function and protect against cognitive decline, while eating the wrong foods can have the opposite effect. In this blog post, we'll take a look at 9 of the best foods for supporting brain health and function.
How Your Brain Works?
Brain cells, also known as neurons, are specialized cells that transmit messages between the brain and the body. There are trillions of brain cells in the human brain, each with their own unique function.
The brain is responsible for controlling all voluntary and involuntary activities in the body. It receives information from the senses and sends orders to the muscles and organs. The brain also regulates moods, emotions, memory, and thinking processes.
Brain function is controlled by a complex interplay of nerve cells and chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters relay signals between neurons, allowing them to communicate with each other.
When a neuron fires, it releases neurotransmitters into the space between neurons (the synapse). These neurotransmitters signals throughout the body, influencing physical and emotional responses.
What are Most Harmful Foods for Your Brain Function?
Trans and saturated fats, which encourage the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which resulting in free-radical damage to the brain and leading to conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and AHDA, and depression
There are Foods That are Said to be Best to Enhance Mental Alertness. Find out Which Ones and How to Boost Brain Health and Function with these 9 foods:
#1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for brain health. They play a role in cell membrane function, cognitive function, and inflammation. The three main omega 3 fatty acids are α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The best way to get omega 3 fatty acids is through food sources such as fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. Supplements can also be used, but it's always best to get nutrients from whole food sources whenever possible.
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#2. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which protect against free radical damage. Free radicals are damaging molecules that can damage cells and lead to chronic disease. Green tea also contains caffeine, which has been shown to improve attention span and reaction time.
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#3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a source of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a type of saturated fat that is metabolized differently than other types of fat. MCTs are absorbed and used for energy more quickly than other fats, making them a great source of fuel for your brain. Coconut oil can also help improve cholesterol levels by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol.
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#4. Nuts
Nuts are a good source of several nutrients that are important for brain health, including vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids, copper, magnesium, and manganese. Nuts are also a source of protein and healthy fats. Keep in mind that nuts are high in calories, so they should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
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#5. Purple and Red Foods
Purple and red foods get their color from compounds called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants that have been shown to protect against free radical damage and reduce inflammation. These compounds can also improve memory and learning ability. Some of the best sources of anthocyanins include blueberries, raspberries, cherries, grapes, and blackberries.
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#6. Green Foods
Green foods are rich in chlorophyll, which gives them their color. Chlorophyll is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by toxins and pollution. It's also been shown to boost mood and increase energy levels. Good sources of chlorophyll include spinach, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green peas, and green beans.
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A wide array of health benefits. This natural pigment that gives the plants its green color is known to have a wide range of health benefits to humans. From containing powerful antioxidants, promoting red and white blood cells, improving liver function, skin health, decreasing bad breath and body odor, and aiding in weight loss. People have been using chlorophyll for its potential health benefits for many years.
#7. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to improve cognition and memory. Flavonoids can also help reduce inflammation throughout the body and protect against age-related cognitive decline.. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the most benefit.. Note that chocolate is high in calories and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet..
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#8. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are a good source of several nutrients that support brain health.. These include copper, magnesium, manganese, calcium, vitamin B1, thiamin, phosphorus, tryptophan, selenium, iron and zinc. Sesame seeds are also a source of healthy fats.
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Having a rich nutty flavor, sesame seeds are rich in omega 6 fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and protein.
#9. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, which is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin has been shown to improve memory, enhance cognitive function and protect against age-related cognitive decline. It can also help relieve symptoms of anxiety disorder depression.
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Include these 9 power foods in your diet to give your brain the nutrients it needs to function at its best!
Conclusion
While there are many harmful foods out there that can negatively impact brain function, there are thankfully plenty of power foods you incorporate into your diet to give your noggin the nutrition it needs to stay sharp! If you want to keep your mind sharp well into old age, make sure you load up on these 9 brain-boosting power foods!