Looking for Brain-Boosting Foods ... plus a brain-boosting smoothie

If you’re feeling like your brain is foggy, slow and you’re finding it hard to remember things and generally keep on top of your day-to-day life, you might need to add more of these brain-boosting foods to your diet.

1. Water 

Your body is 70% water, your brain is 70% water and you want to be able to hydrate that. Your brain is only about 2% of your body mass but it requires 20% of the nutrients so keep that water up!

2. Avocados 

Containing good, healthy fats, avocados increase a number of different feel-good chemicals in the brain. Avocados are also a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids that assist with brain function, mood regulation, and emotions.

3. Blueberries 

These 'brain berries' are full of anthocyanins. Blueberries provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects which help combat brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases and also supports improved communication between brain cells.

4. Broccoli 

Your mum was right! Broccoli is good for your health and for your brain because it is high in antioxidants as well as Vitamin K so it helps protect the brain against damage and helps with better memory function. 

5. Coconut Oil 

The fatty acids in coconut oil are good for your brain and have even been linked to supporting people with Alzheimer’s Disease.

6. Eggs 

There are a number of reasons why eggs are great for the brain, with essential fatty acids, Vitamins B6 and B12, folate and choline, which help to regulate mood, memory and cognitive function.

7. Green Leafy Vegetables 

Containing large amounts of folate, green leafy vegetables and spinach, in particular, can help reduce symptoms of depression and are very neuroprotective.

8. Wild Salmon 

The Omega-3 fatty acids in wild salmon (and sardines) are good for the brain. If you’re not getting enough of this essential fatty acid you may notice a cognitive decline, emotional imbalances and mood issues.

9. Turmeric 

Turmeric, extremely good for the brain with great anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric helps to improve memory, ease depression and help new brain cells grow. 

10. Walnuts 

Nuts, and in particular Walnuts improve cognition and memory and slow mental decline. Even if you notice, we look at a walnut, it looks like what? It looks like the human brain. Walnuts also contain Omega-3 fatty acids so there’s double the reason to enjoy these nuts for brain health. 

11. Dark Chocolate 

Saving the best for last, eat dark chocolate for your brain (and your taste buds!). Dark chocolate boosts concentration, mood and actually improves blood flow to the brain. The darker the chocolate, the better! 

Words and picture above taken from article, with all related research links, here

How about trying this smoothie for a boost of morning energy and brain-boosting power! 
Brain Boosting Smoothie:
Ingredients:
1/2 of an avocado
1/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1 handful of green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale)
A small handful of walnuts (soaked overnight)
1 tbsp. raw cacao
1-2 cups of nut milk of choice or coconut water
Method:
Blend until smooth and creamy!

Recipe for smoothie:

taken from an article here

For help with weight/measurement conversion:

please see here

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan