16 Foods That Will Help Support Brain Health

Whether you're looking to enhance memory, focus, or overall cognition, maintaining brain health is crucial for everyday functioning. Like all health aspects, the food you consume can impact your brain health.

The 16 foods listed below are all highly recommended for supporting brain health. There are excellent choices for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike. Explore the list and share your favorites with us.

1Fish

Fish is beneficial for brain health due to its EPA and DHA content, which enhance mental focus. Fatty fish, such as anchovies, sardines, and salmon, also provide vitamin D, further supporting brain health.

2Grass-Fed Beef

Grass-fed beef is advantageous because of its iron content, which aids in transporting oxygen to the brain, thus improving your ability to perform mental tasks efficiently.

3Eggs
The yolk in eggs supports the brain due to its choline content, a neurotransmitter that promotes healthy brain function. Additionally, egg yolks contain essential cholesterol for brain health.

4Beets
Beets contain nitrates that enhance blood flow and boost mental performance. They can be added to a salad or roasted with honey for a tasty brain-boosting side dish.

5Avocados

Seventy-five percent of the fat in avocados is monounsaturated, which encourages the production of acetylcholine, leading to enhanced learning and memory support.

6Blueberries
Blueberries are potent in anthocyanins, offering optimal memory support. Other dark red and purple fruits and vegetables also benefit brain health, providing numerous options.

7Tomatoes

While often associated with eye health, the lycopene in tomatoes also supports healthy brain function.

8Dark Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale are key for supporting healthy cognition. Incorporate them into a salad alongside eggs, tomatoes, and avocado to enhance your brain health.

9Oats

Oats, rich in carbohydrates, provide glucose, which serves as brain fuel. Additionally, oats are digested slowly, keeping your brain energized for extended periods.

10Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in fatty acids like omega-3 and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which support memory and sensory information processing. Try walnuts or pumpkin seeds as a snack, or add chia, hemp, or flaxseed to your favorite smoothie.

11Beans

Beans are rich in B vitamins, crucial for brain health. Add them to your favorite dishes to boost your brain power. Similar to oats, beans digest slowly, providing prolonged brain activity.

12Sage

Sage helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for learning, thus supporting optimal brain function.

13Turmeric

Turmeric, known primarily as the yellow spice in curry dishes, supports brain health through its curcumin content. Add it to your recipes for flavor and brain health benefits.

14Coconut Oil

Like nuts, coconut oil contains fats that nourish the brain, enhancing memory and mental energy. Use it in cooking and baking, or as a butter substitute in homemade popcorn.

15Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that support memory, learning, and other cognitive functions. It can be used in cooking, baking, or as a salad dressing.

16Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate, rich in flavonols, promotes blood flow and memory support. It contains significantly more antioxidants than blueberries, so opt for the darkest chocolate available.

What are some of your favorite brain-boosting foods?

Resources

• http://www.shape.com
• http://www.forbes.com
• http://www.prevention.com
• http://www.mensfitness.com