Over 60% of Americans rarely feel rested and energized in the morning. So if you don’t jump out of bed each morning, you’re not alone.
You shouldn’t accept tiredness and brain fog as your ‘normal’ state, because it’s not. Humans are thinkers, workers, and lovers – so why do so many of us always feel drained and exhausted?
Well, we’re here to help. Eating right is the best thing you can do to preserve energy and health. For the best results and to live your best life, your diet should include certain foods that are good for your brain.
Read on to learn which foods will keep you energetic, vibrant, and youthful.
- Fatty Fish
If you’re interested in boosting your brain, you probably already know that you should be eating more fatty fish—but do you know why?
Fatty fish contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s are essential for nerve cells and brain cells; they help with learning, memory, slow mental decline progression, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Your brain consists of around 60% fat, half of which is omega-3. So, if in doubt, grab another portion of salmon, trout, or sardines to improve brain health.
If you still need convincing, it’s not only your brain that will benefit. Fatty fish helps circulation, artery health, and lung health.
However, fatty fish sometimes contains low levels of pollutants and heavy metals that can harm the body. It’s essential to track how much you’re eating and purchase from verified vendors to make sure you’re sticking within the healthy limits.
Aim to get around least two portions of high-quality fatty fish a week, and your body and brain will thank you.
- Acai Berries
Ready to hear about the next superfood? Acai berries are a Brazillian fruit that can improve cognitive health.
These berries are nutrient-dense, containing high levels of fiber, vitamin A, and calcium. However, the main benefits come from their plant compounds. Acai berries are packed full of anthocyanins that act as an antioxidant in the body.
Antioxidants are cancer-fighting agents and help counteract inflammation in the brain cells. This preserves memory and learning by reducing the number of damaged cells.
Acai berries have a short shelf life, so it’s important to have a plan and use them in their prime. They’re available in berry form, as purees, powders, and juices. They have a rich flavor and you should check out these awesome acai recipes for the ultimate acai experience.
- Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is one of the best foods that are good for your brain and memory. Yes, read that again. Chocolate can be good for you.
It’s not any type of chocolate—sorry Dairy Milk. Dark chocolate and rich cocoa powder are full of flavonoids, antioxidants, and caffeine.
Flavonoids congregate in the parts of the brain that regulate learning and memory. They help stimulate these brain cells, providing cognitive enhancement. They also help reduce mind aging, and multiple studies have shown undeniable benefits in the performance of day-to-day tasks.
Chocolate is also great for your mood: you already knew that, though. Research is conclusive that dark chocolate is a mood booster, but we’re yet to understand if that’s due to its composition or because it tastes so great.
- Coffee
64% of us drink coffee every day, and it’s really not surprising. Coffee makes us feel great, but there’s more to it. Coffee is one of the best brain boosting foods.
If you’re having a mid-day slump, reaching for a second cup of coffee could help increase alertness and mood. The caffeine in coffee blocks adenosine receptors; adenosine is responsible for making you feel tired, so you feel more alert when these receptors are blocked.
Coffee also helps boost serotonin levels, so if you’re after a natural antidepressant, coffee could be the key.
Where most things that make us feel great are bad in the long run, we’ve got good news. Coffee has protective effects against neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. We think this is because of the high concentration of antioxidants, but research is ongoing.
So if you were wondering whether to have another cup, this is your sign!
- Turmeric
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you will have heard the latest buzz about turmeric. The active ingredient is curcumin, and it can cross the blood-brain barrier and act directly on your brain cells.
It is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and has multiple benefits on the brain. There’s increasing evidence that it’s one of the foods that improve memory, and it may reduce the risk and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Similar to coffee, curcumin also boosts serotonin and dopamine (our happy chemicals). When dosed routinely over six weeks, curcumin can improve depression symptoms at a similar level to pharmaceutical antidepressants.
Finally, turmeric can help new brain cells grow by supporting the neurotrophic factor (a growth hormone). Research is ongoing, but it is thought that it helps delay cognitive decline.
Turmeric is available in different forms, including pure powder, curry powder, and tea. For the full effects of turmeric, always try to buy it in pure form.
Eat Foods That Are Good for Your Brain Every Day
So, those are the top five foods to boost your brain health. If you’ve got an important report, meeting, a busy week, or just want to live a better life, now you know what to do!
Are you ready to make a shopping list? Incorporate these foods that are good for your brain into your daily diet, and you’ll reap endless benefits.
Did you enjoy this article? We’ve got plenty more; check out our other posts for all the hottest food topics right now!