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10 Foods for Better Brain Health

brain health nutrition sport nutrition Dec 02, 2024
Foods for brain health

Brain health and cognitive functioning are super popular topics right now and with good reason. No matter our age, we should all be focused on improving cognitive functioning. Eating the right foods can help with a host of brain boost effects such as:

  1. Improve memory and learning: Nutrients like omega-3s and antioxidants protect brain cells and improve neural connections, enhancing memory and learning.

  2. Reduce risk of cognitive decline: A healthy daily nutrition plan can lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

  3. Support mental health: Certain nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fats regulate mood and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.

  4. Enhance focus and productivity: Foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats provide sustained energy for concentration and mental sharpness.

  5. Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals, slowing aging and degeneration.

  6. Promote brain plasticity: Nutrients like choline and spices like curcumin encourage the growth and repair of brain cells, keeping the brain adaptable and resilient.

 

So you know brain health is important but you need some foods to add into your daily nutrition plan, right? Well, here are 10 foods that are beneficial for cognitive functioning:

  1. Fatty fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and memory. Choose salmon, mackerel and sardines.

  2. Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants and flavonoids that improve memory and delay brain aging.

  3. Leafy greens: Vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli contain vitamin K, folate, and beta carotene, which enhance cognitive function.

  4. Nuts: High in healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E, walnuts are particularly good for brain health.

  5. Eggs: A great source of choline, which supports neurotransmitter production and memory.

  6. Turmeric: Contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound that may improve mood and boost brain cell growth. Be sure to use black pepper with turmeric to activate curcumin.

  7. Pumpkin seeds: Rich in magnesium, iron, zinc and antioxidants, these seeds support brain function and can reduce stress.

  8. Dark chocolate: Contains flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants that enhance memory and focus.

  9. Oranges: Contains vitamin C, which helps prevent mental decline by fighting oxidative stress.

  10. Green tea: Loaded with L-theanine and antioxidants, it promotes calmness and improved focus.

     

It’s pretty easy to include at least a handful of these foods to your current nutrition plan but if you need more ideas, we have a host of electronic recipe books to help you. Check them out HERE.

 

 

PS - Want to learn even more about nutrition? Head over to the eNRG Performance YouTube channel to watch all of the great videos our sport dietitian team creates.

 

PPS - Got a burning nutrition question you would like us to answer for FREE? Submit it HERE and one of our sport dietitians will answer it on our YouTube channel every Monday.

 

 

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