Brain-boosters: Six foods that are good for your brain

Research reveals what you eat affects your brainpower

Ever thought that what you eat can also make you smarter? Eating well does not just give an energy boost but is also fuel for your brain.

Research shows that what you eat affects your brainpower – how much information you retain, how well you perform tasks, and how well you remember things.

Scientists have found that high compounds such as antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids can improve brain health and memory, whereas other foods can boost your brain too.

The Guardian compiled a list of few of the foods you should eat to help strengthen your brain.

Blueberries

The indigo-coloured berries don’t simply improve memory but can reverse memory loss, researchers from Tufts University found. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found an extract of blueberries eaten every day led to a reversal of nerve cell damage in rats. After eating their daily dose of berries, the rodents learned faster, had a better short-term memory and had improved balance and co-ordination.

Salmon

Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for a healthy diet, and offers a sizeable portion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Not only are these fatty acids good for the heart, but DHA has also been found to boost neuron function in the brain.

Avocado

Avocados contain extremely healthy unsaturated fats, which help to keep brain cell membranes flexible. The monounsaturated fatty acids in avocadoes work to protect nerve cells in the brain and have been found to improve the brain's muscle strength. The same fats lead to healthy blood flow and lower blood pressure and both of these, in turn, help the brain to function at its optimum capacity.

Whole grains

The brain is like all other organs relies on a steady flow of energy to perform at its best. Our concentration skills are linked to the brain’s supply of glucose. Whole grains with a low GI (glycaemic index) are a healthy brain food as they slowly and steadily release glucose into the bloodstream. Other carbohydrates are a more unstable source of glucose – white rice and pasta will cause energy levels to peak and then crash, leaving your brain feeling weak and exhausted.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a source of two crucial nutrients, Vitamin K and Choline, which help improve brain function. Vitamin K helps to strengthen cognitive abilities while Choline has been found to improve memory. Broccoli also includes a sizeable serving of folic acid, which can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Dark chocolate

Healthy food can be delicious too. Cocoa can improve verbal fluency and cognitive function in elderly people while a daily portion of dark chocolate has been found to improve blood flow to the brain.