The 10 Best Foods For The Brain

There are foods which enhance brain function by improving blood flow, fighting free radical damage, heightening alertness and wakefulness or by providing energy and nutrients.  The ten foods below are arguably the best foods for the brain in terms of nutrition, availability, cost and beneficial effects to overall health.

1.  Green tea

The brain-enhancing compounds in green tea are the polyphenols, powerful antioxidants which have been found to protect the brain against age-related or free radical damage.

2.  Eggs

Egss are among the richest sources of choline, a natural compound which has demonstrated the unique property of improving memory recall and retention.

3.  Wild Salmon

Wild-caught salmon contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, the major polyunsaturated fatty acids which benefit not only the heart but also the brain.  Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids, by protecting the linings of blood vessels coursing through the whole body, protect the brain by ensuring its adequate blood supply.

4.   Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate (minus excess  sugar) has the caffeine-like substance, theobromine, which keeps one mentally alert and energetic.  It also has flavonoids which increase blood flow to the brain, supplying oxygen and nutrients which enhance brain performance.

5.  Berries

Berries of whatever variety--blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and especially acai berries--are virtual powerhouses of antioxidants which keep the brain from aging.

6.  Whole Grains, Starchy Crops

Whole grains and starchy vegetables and fruits have complex carbohydrates which serve as slowly-releasing and therefore sustained sources of brain energy.

7.  Almonds

All information that passes through the brain gets processed by neurotransmitters which are derived from amino acids in our diet.  Almonds contain many amino acids which serve as precursors to a wide array of neurotransmitters which enhance brain processing.

8.  Seeds

Seeds are tiny but dense storehouses of many brain-enhancing substances.  Seeds of sunflower, sesame, chia, pumpkin and flax have high amounts of antioxidants which fight against free radical damage.

9.  Avocados

The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in avocados promote healthy blood flow which keeps the brain nourished and healthy.  MUFA also prevents hypertension, a leading cause of cognitive decline.

10.  Coffee

Drinking coffee in moderation--not more than 2 cups a day--has been correlated with a lower risk for age-related dementia such as senility, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.  This is because coffee has many antioxidants which keep the brain young.  Coffee also contains caffeine which promotes wakefulness and alertness.