Eating healthy is beneficial for the body in many ways. Not only does it help keep you physically fit, it also helps improve other aspects such as brain function.
There are specific foods that help boost this facet of your body, and most of them are organic in nature. But if you happen to be a vegan, here are ten types of food that can serve as a booster for your brain, and help enhance your overall cognitive functions.
Garbanzo Beans
If hummus happens to be your favorite dip or spread, you are in luck. The Garbanzo beans present in it contains Magnesium, which is helpful in keeping your brain cells functioning at a high level. At the same time, it allows for increased blood flow to the brain by relaxing the blood vessels.
Vegetables
The green leafy ones, in particular, are the ones packed with nutrients such as Vitamins E, C, and B Complex, as well Magnesium, which are all essential for a healthy nervous system. That, of course, includes brain functions like circulating neurotransmitters.
Blueberries
We already know that blueberries are essentially a superfruit that is filled with various antioxidants. But as a brain-booster, it contains anthocyanins, which have been linked to the increase in neuronal signaling in the brain. This is why blueberries are recommended for elders who are beginning to show signs of dementia.
Broccoli
Vitamin K is a nutrient that is greatly beneficial for the improvement of overall brain functions. It is also a nutrient that can be found in broccoli, making your vegetable dinners a lot more meaningful. So kids, follow your parents’ advice and eat your broccoli.
Chia Seeds
You can go ahead and enjoy your favorite chia pudding because chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, and actually, contain eight times more the amount compared to salmon. So the next time you make that chia smoothie, feel free to go nuts and sprinkle away.
Goji Berries
Here is another super-fruit that is packed with antioxidants to keep the body in tip-top shape. In addition, goji berries have also been proven to help protect the brain from degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease. It also bears a long-standing reputation as a “brain tonic” that can also help improve memory. How long-standing? Over 600 years to be specific.
Tomatoes
The main ingredient that makes tomatoes healthy is lycopene, an antioxidant that bears numerous benefits. For brain functions, lycopene provides protection from free radicals that can cause cell damage that can be seen in those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Avocados
If you are looking for a fruit that is high in nutrients such as fiber, as well as Vitamins C, K, and B6, avocados would be a good start. But on top of it, the healthy fat that is present in avocados are actually helpful in preventing the hardening of blood vessels, which makes the blood flow to the heart and brain a lot more fluid.
Sunflower Seeds
Alzheimer’s Disease is, unfortunately, one of the most common brain illness that people suffer from. But that can be avoided through the intake of omega 3-fatty acids, tryptophan and B Vitamins, all of which are present in sunflower seeds. The best way to consume them is by going for its raw and unsalted variants, to give you all the nutrients in its purest form.
Spinach
Spinach has been advertised as a superfood as far back as the days of Popeye the Sailor in the 1920’s, and rightfully so. This tasty vegetable also contains various antioxidants, namely Vitamin K, lutein, and folate, all of which are linked to the improvement of brain health and functionality.
While consuming these foods can indeed help in boosting brain functions, they should also be supplemented with an overall healthy lifestyle. Exercise and enough sleep are two other key factors in order to fully reap the benefits of these brain-boosting foods.
Keeping a healthy body includes having a sound mind, and it is something that will resonate until the twilight years of one’s life. Our bodies should be treated like a roadworthy vehicle, which means that every single part should be kept in top shape at all times.
