Food & Nutrition

9 Foods that boost brain functioning  

Who does not want to be brainy? High grasping and retention power, memory recall and sharpness are high on the list of all achievers, kids or adults, to be on the frontlines of every field.

Apart from genes, it is true that diet plays a huge role is shaping up a person’s grey cells. Here is a list of top foods that boost brain functioning and power…

Walnuts

Without a doubt, this nut promotes brain power and performance. It is then no wonder that walnuts are shaped in the form of our brain. They are high in vitamins, monounsaturated fats, and contain polyphenols, an antioxidant which along with omega-3 fatty acids increase brain power and also prevents memory decline.

Eggs

The yolk sheds its notorious image for its deserving place on this list. It is rich in choline which is especially helpful in boosting fetal brain in pregnant women.  Eggs, both white and yellow, is also a good source of protein. It is also a forerunner for a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which helps in memory retention and to improve your overall intellectual competency. Yolks also contain bethane, which produces happiness hormones.

Whole grains and sprouts

Can brain work without energy? No. To give your grey cells adequate supply of energy, focus on getting some glucose in your blood system. Carbs such as whole grains, pasta, brown rice, sprouts, with their low GI are broken down slowly in the system keeping you rejuvenated for long.

Beetroot

With its deep purple colour, beetroot is one of the most nutritious root vegetables you can eat. It decreases inflammation, packed with cancer-combating antioxidants and of course it natural nitrates enhances blood flow to our brain. Beetroot is also good to increase energy levels.  Find creative ways to add beet in the diet such as cakes, pattice, etc.

Your beetroot got a whole lot more interesting with recipes such as Beetroot Laddu and Beetroot Tikki.

Oily fish

Salmon, packed with omega -3 fatty acids, remains one of the most nutritious and brain food-friendly food on your plate.  Our body cannot produce Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), so it is necessary for us to obtain it from our diets.  As we know by now that the most effective omega-3 fats occur is in oily fish. For the vegetarians, they could include flaxseed, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds in their diet. These fats are important for healthy brain functioning and our wellbeing. It improves memory and can help in the prevention of ADHD in kids.

Tomatoes

Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant which is found in tomatoes can help besides fighting a certain kind of free radical damage to cells.  It can also improve brain functioning.  Eat it raw or cooked, it is good, it is good.  However, if you have had a case of kidney stone, please check with your doctor about including tomatoes in your diet.

Enjoy delectable tomato recipes such as Tomato Feta Omelette and Cheesy Tomato Disks.

Dark Chocolate

Great news, isn’t it…dark chocolate is actually good for you.  It is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They can improve blood flow to both the brain and heart and also lower blood pressure. The rule of thumb to choose your dark chocolate is that it should have at least 70 percent of cocoa. This ensures that your brain will get its brain benefits.

Green Veggies

Get your regular helpings of leafy green brain foods like palak, methi, pudina, kale. The greens are also loaded with vitamins K and A which help fight inflammation and keep bones strong while keeping your brain vibrant.

Make green veggies interesting with the Palak Mushroom and Spinach Cheese Balls recipes. 

Turmeric

Haldi…a humble spice with so many amazing benefits! This ancient root is known for its healing properties since generations.  The compound curcumin found in turmeric makes the spice a powerful allay combating anti-inflammatory.  It pumps up the antioxidant levels to amp up your immune system while at the same time improving your brain’s oxygen intake.

So, bring out this list. What will you have on your plate today?

1 comment on “9 Foods that boost brain functioning  

  1. Grt!

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