Food for Thought
Unlike the foods shown above, the foods listed below are consistently named as top brain health foods that help promote brain and body health. I’ve compiled a list of foods that help promote brain and body health. The following list is by no means comprehensive/complete so I encourage you to inquire further.
- Wild salmon: one of the best sources of essential fatty acids, a rich source of high-quality non-land animal protein, low saturated fat, usually among the lowest amounts of mercury (and other contaminants) among seafood. Can help do everything from improve your brain matter, mood states, synaptic connections, arteries, as well as reduce your risk of stroke and dementia /Alzheimer’s.
- Cacao beans: believed to be a cognitive and mood enhancer and contains antioxidants, catechins and other beneficial elements.
- Matcha (stone-ground Gyokuru green tea powder): Source of antioxidants, catechins, vitamins (like A & C ), and fluoride; boosts concentration and also has physical benefits. Best known as a traditional ceremonial drink related to Buddhist tradition.
- Acai berries/blueberries: Acai berries possess all of the antioxidant, vitamin and brain benefits of other purple berries (i.e. blueberries/blackberries) but also contains essential fatty Acids (ex. omega-3’s) like salmon, and is high in protein. In order to maximize health benefits, the berries need to be fresh or quickly processed through flash-freezing as well as maintained and processed.
- Coffee beans: Shockingly enough, regular coffee consumption has been shown to actually reduce the risk of mental decline and diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s, and has also recently been found to be (shockingly) the “#1 source of antioxidants in the average American diet. The problem occurs when coffee is combined with other unhealthy additions (i.e. caramel, mocha, cream, sugar)
- Whole grains: Studies in women suggest that those incorporating whole grain foods like wheat bran and whole wheat pasta, which are rich in folic acid , vitamins (B6/B12), healthy fats, minerals and antioxidants, into their diets improved their ability to recall (memory). Whole grains have also been proven to lower the risk for cardiovascular disease including heart disease and stroke.
- Tomatoes: Lycopene, one of the main ingredients found in tomatoes (and the source of the tomato’s red pigment), is believed to be a powerful antioxidant that may also act as a protective factor against free radical damage related to dementia, as well as reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and more… Lycopene is also believed to be found in other red foods (except cherries/strawberries).
- Pumpkin seeds: Good source of zinc, which has been implicated in enhancement of cognitive skills and thought processes.
- Blackcurrant: An excellent source of vitamin C, critical for boosting brain power and keeping your brain agile.
- Broccoli: Great source of vitamin K, whose functions include: helping in blood clotting, improving bone health (helps the body absorb calcium) as well as increasing cognitive function.
- Nuts, leafy greens, brown rice, eggs: Great source of vitamin E, which is known to have antioxidant properties by helping prevent oxidative stress and possibly, poor memory.
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