The foods we eat can have a significant impact on brain structure and health. A brain health-boosting diet not only supports short-term function but has long-term brain functions too. Your brain is an energy-intensive organ that consumes about 20% of your body’s calories, so it needs plenty of fuel to keep you focused throughout the day. The brain needs some peculiar nutrients to stay healthy and work efficiently. For example, omega-3 fatty acids help build and repair brain cells, and antioxidants reduce cellular stress and inflammation associated with brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
What is a supplement that activates the brain?
Brain-boosting supplements are products marketed to improve or maintain memory, improve thinking ability, improve mood, or increase concentration. Some of these supplements may be beneficial for you, since they provide essential nutrients that you might not get otherwise or maybe it is not enough to fulfill your body requirements on dail basis.
For example, if you don’t like fish or can’t eat the recommended amount, you can take omega-3 fatty acid supplements to support heart and brain health. Brain boosting supplements can also help reduce the risk or improve outcomes of some brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Common ingredients found in brain-boosting supplements include omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, nitrates, caffeine, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, adaptogenic mushrooms, and many other vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
Many vitamins, minerals, and herbs have been used for years (centuries) to improve brain health, but scientific research supporting their effectiveness for specific brain diseases and problems is limited.
In this post we wll let you know some of the best food that will improve the brain health.
- Fish oil- The foods we eat can have a significant impact on brain structure and health.A brain-boosting diet supports both short-term and long-term brain function. Your brain is an energy-intensive organ that consumes about 20% of your body’s calories, so it needs plenty of fuel to keep you focused throughout the day.
One of the nutrient called omega-3 fatty acids helps in building and repairing brain cells, and antioxidants reduce the cellular stress and inflammation associated with brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Dark chocolate- Dark chocolate contains cacao, also known as cacao. Cocoa contains flavonoids, that are antioxidants, again helps in privinding protection from free radicals. Antioxidants are particularly important for brain health because the brain is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which contributes to age-related cognitive decline and brain disease.
Cocoa flavonoids have known to have good affect on brain ad its functioning. According to a 2013 review, they can promote the growth of neurons and blood vessels in parts of the brain involved in memory and learning. It can also stimulate blood flow in the brain. Some studies have also suggested that the flavonoid component of chocolate can improve memory impairment in snails. Scientists are conducting tests to check the efficacy in humans.
However, in a 2018 research conducted on human, supports that the brain-boosting effects of dark chocolate are enormous. Researchers used brain imaging to investigate activity after participants ate chocolate that was at least 70% cocoa. Researchers concluded that consuming this type of dark chocolate may improve brain plasticity, which is essential for learning, and may provide other brain-related benefits.
3. Berry- The tempting dark chocolates contain antioxidants, just like many berries too contain flavonoid antioxidants which re good for brain health. Studies show that these berries can be good food for the brain. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Antioxidants found in berries include anthocyanins, caffeic acid, catechins, and quercetin. There was a study conducted in 2014 it was found that the antioxidants found in berries have many beneficial effects on the brain.
- Improving communication between brain cells
- Reduce inflammation throughout the body
- Increased plasticity that helps brain cells form new connections, promoting learning and memory
- Berries help in reducing or delaying age-related neurodegenerative diseases as well as cognitive decline
Antioxidant-rich berries that may promote brain health includes strawberry,
blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, and mulberries
4. Nuts and Seeds- Eating more nuts and seeds can be good for your brain because these foods contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. A 2014 study found that higher total nut intake was associated with better brain function as we age. Nuts and seeds are also powerhouse of the antioxidant vitamin E, that aims to protects cells against the oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
As the brain ages, it can be exposed to this form of oxidative stress, so vitamin E may support age-related brain health. A 2014 study showed that vitamin E may also help in improving cognition and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in humans, consuming it daily or frequently. Nuts and seeds that contain highest amounts of vitamin E are sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and almonds. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of vitamin E on the brain.
5. Peanuts- Peanuts are legumes with excellent nutritional profiles. They are high in unsaturated fats and protein and help maintain a person’s energy levels throughout the day. Peanuts also provide essential vitamins and minerals to keep your brain healthy, including high levels of vitamin E and resveratrol. Resveratrol, which is a natural non-flavonoid antioxidant found in peanuts, mulberries, and rhubarb. Evidence from review articles suggests that resveratrol may have protective effects. Prevention of cancer, inflammation and neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
This is not the end of foods that can boost your brain health, avocados, eggs, broccolli, kale and soy products are also known for boosting brain’s health.Â
Brain supplements for boosting its activity
In addition to dietary changes, some people consider taking supplements to improve brain function. But do these brain supplements really work?
Taking vitamins B, C, or E, beta-carotene, or magnesium can improve brain function if you are deficient in either of them. Studies suggests that consuming ginseng improvesbrain’s performance. However, more research is needed before doctors can recommend ginseng to patients for improving brain function.Â
Summary
The above foods can help improve a person’s memory and concentration. Some reduce the risk of stroke and age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Some foods contain healthy fatty acids and other compounds that help improve the structure of brain cells called neurons. Other compounds such as sugar and saturated fat can damage brain cell structures.
