Foods that Boost Brain Power
The brain located in our head region has control over the minutest movement of the body. A human body without a brain is like a car without a driver. Our mental and physical well-being is dependent on the functioning of the brain. Better brain function allows us to manage stress effectively, keeps energy levels high and ensures mental clarity. In today's lifestyle where we have to juggle between office work and personal commitments, sub optimal brain function can act as a great hindrance to our progress. Considering this fact, one must increase brain power. Foods to sharpen brain power provide a natural way to prepare the brain for new challenging tasks that one has to deal within today's times.
Brain Power Foods
How to increase brain power? Eating the right food can contribute immensely to improve brain function. Unlike supplements or herbs, foods to boost brain power are easily available and one doesn't have to spend a fortune to buy these food items. Some of the brain foods are discussed below:
Foods High in Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
Studies have proven that foods with high concentration of omega 3 acids can play a vital role to increase brain power. About 60% of the brain consists of essential fatty acids and so it does make sense to include these foods in the diet. In fact, research points out that, intake of foods high in omega 3 essential fatty acids is crucial for proper development of the brain. In order to enhance cognitive functions of the brain, one should, without fail include these foods in their diet. Mental health, which is directly dependent on proper functioning of the brain, can substantially improve with intake of these foods. Be it overcoming learning disabilities, increasing concentration levels or preventing mental illnesses, one can certainly achieve it by simply include these foods in the diet. Following are the brain power foods rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids:
- Fatty fish that include salmon and mackerel
- Flax seeds
- Olive oil
It is observed that with age, brain health also declines gradually. In order to stop progressive deterioration of the brain and to keep it sharp even during old age, it is necessary to have antioxidant rich foods on a daily basis. Antioxidants protect the brain from free radical damage and prevent it from diseases like Alzheimer's. Antioxidants can increase brain power by improving memory and enhancing cognitive skills. Studies also show that for effective functioning of the brain, one simply cannot afford to ignore antioxidant rich foods. So, one has to no longer worry about age related brain disorders, if the following antioxidant rich foods form an integral part of the diet:
- Vegetables that include tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, mustard greens, brussels sprouts and cauliflower
- Fruits that include blueberries, strawberries, plums, raisins, red grapes, raspberries and oranges
Protein rich foods also come in the list of foods to boost brain power. Foods high in proteins can also contribute to maintain healthy brain function. Insufficient supply of protein to the brain can negatively affect the memory and learning ability. Our neurons consist of billions of neurons (nerve cells). These neurons communicate among each other by releasing neurotransmitters (chemicals). The brain uses amino acid, an important constituent of protein to manufacture these neurotransmitters. Some of these neurotransmitters are responsible for controlling emotions like anxiety and pain. These chemicals are also useful to induce sleep, increase energy levels and promote mental well-being. Lack of proteins reduce production of these chemicals, which can cause fatigue and overall weakness. So, to maintain normal brain activity, one should eat the following protein rich foodstuffs, enlisted below:
- Eggs
- Nuts (Almonds and Walnuts)
- Skinless chicken
- Soybeans
Eating whole grain foods is also crucial to improve brain activity. Whole grains are an excellent source of vitamin B6, which also assist the brain to produce neurotransmitters. No wonder, vitamin B6 is regarded as a brain vitamin. The B complex vitamin abundantly found in whole grain ensures improvement in brain function. Whole grain foods to boost brain power are given below:
- Oatmeal
- Brown rice
- Oat bran
- Whole grain pasta
