“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

—Hippocrates

 

Food as medicine is certainly not a new phenomenon, it’s as ancient as the writings of Hippocrates, who by the way lived 430 years before the birth of Jesus. Everything we know about diet and health has been in the works for millennia.

 

When it comes to choosing foods for optimal brain power, science is just getting started. With the information we have learned over the past several decades, especially advances in neuroscience, we have a clearer understanding of how food can increase memory and strengthen our cognitive abilities.

 

Are you ready to dig in? Let’s see what science has to offer us about our everyday food choices for increased brain power.

 

 

#1   Alaskan Wild-Caught Salmon

If you like seafood you’re in luck when it comes to boosting brain power. This deep-water fish is loaded with Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3s are known to be one of the fundamental building blocks of the brain. A 4-ounce serving of salmon, two to three times a week, will contribute mightily to improving your memory and eradicating brain fog. Avoid farm-raised and regular caught salmon, as mercury and other toxins are commonly found in these fish. Mercury, in particular, can do great harm to your brain’s neurological functioning, as well as the ability to learn new things.

 

  #2   Blueberries

I’ve heard these little nuggets of sweet delight referred to as ‘brainberries’. Blueberries are one of the highest antioxidant-rich foods known to man. Because they contain such a high level of gallic acid, blueberries are an excellent choice for protecting your brain from degeneration and stress. Whether you want to improve your eyesight, your memory, or lower your blood sugar, consuming raw blueberries on a daily basis will ensure you are getting the maximum health benefits available.

 

#3   Greens

Green leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach, do wonders for proper brain functioning. They are loaded with vitamins A and K. One cup of fresh spinach will provide almost double the daily requirement of both of these vitamins. As for kale, you’re getting more than 684% of the recommended daily serving for vitamin K—now that’s impressive! Last but certainly not least is broccoli, also loaded with vitamin K. Broccoli contains a hefty amount of choline which improves focus and memory. All three of these leafy green vegetables belong in the Superfoods Hall of Fame.

 

#4   Avocados

 

 

Avocados are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. They are packed with protein and have the lowest sugar content of any fruit. (Yes, avocados are a fruit) One of the big misconceptions about avocados is their high fat content. True, they are loaded with fat, but not the kind of fat that can accumulate in the body and cause heart attacks and strokes. This food is high in monounsaturated fat, which contributes to healthy blood flow, and healthy blood flow means a healthy brain.

 

#5   Walnuts

Here’s a fun fact . . . brain shaped foods can provide optimal brain benefits. Who would have thought?  This little nut is a powerhouse when it comes to your brain and longevity. Walnuts have almost twice the antioxidants as other commonly consumed nuts like almonds, peanuts, and pistachios. They are packed with a high concentration of DHA (a type of Omega-3 fatty acid) and polyphenols. The best part about these ‘smart nuts’ is you only need around 7 a day to receive the full benefit of what they have to offer. Walnuts are inexpensive, convenient and overflowing with nutrition.

 

 #6 Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The health benefits of extra virgin olive oil are legendary. It’s a major component in the Mediterranean diet, considered the healthiest way to eat for health and longevity. People from this region are some of the healthiest and long-lived people on the planet.

 

Olive oil is high in brain-protective antioxidants. This is important because the brain uses 20% of the total intake of oxygen in your body, which makes it vulnerable to oxidation caused by free radicals. Olive oil is loaded with free radical scavengers that keep oxidation in check.

 

Olive oil is a substantial source of vitamins E and K. Vitamin K gives a boost to your brain’s processing speed, while vitamin E works to maintain good memory.

 

And if that doesn’t convince you of the many benefits this magical oil offers, consider this . . . olive oil decreases the risk of depression, while increasing brain-boosting chemicals like BDNF (a brain protective protein) and NGF (nerve growth factor: playing an important role in learning and memory), which encourages the formation and repair of brain cells. The ancient Greeks thought so highly of this oil that cutting down an olive tree was a crime punishable by death.

 

#7   Eggs

Eggs contain a little bit of almost every nutrient needed for optimal health. For every egg you eat you get six grams of protein. Proteins are the main building blocks of the human body.  

 

The egg, another superfood, is a great source of nutrients associated with brain health, including vitamins B6, B12, folate and choline. Studies have shown that higher intakes of choline are linked to better memory and mental function. Egg yolks are among the most concentrated sources of this nutrient. Eggs are also a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

 

When looking for the most nutritious foods on the planet, this versatile and affordable food source is at the top of the list. “The incredible, edible egg!”

 

In addition to choosing foods for optimal brain power we can enhance the positive health benefits we are seeking by exercising daily, drinking plenty of water, and getting a good nights sleep.

 

Before exiting this post make a list of the 7 best foods for brain health and visit your kitchen to see how many of them are on hand. Good for you if you have already integrated them into your diet. If not, take note of the foods you are not eating on a regular basis and add them to your grocery list, pick them up next time you go food shopping. See for yourself how eating brain enhancing foods can make a world of difference in your life.

 

To your good health!