Blog – 8 Foods To Boost Your Brain Function
Blog – 8 Foods To Boost Your Brain Function
Food isn’t just for keeping your body moving and your heart beating—it’s also what helps your brain stay sharp, your mood stay positive, and your memory stay strong. The right foods can do a lot for your mind, and they’re easy to add to your daily routine.
Let’s dive into some delicious options that can help protect your brain from Alzheimer’s and keep you feeling great!
1. High Protein Foods
Protein does more than just boost your energy—it helps keep your mind sharp and supports the production of “happy hormones” for a positive outlook. It also keeps your metabolism steady and strengthens your immune system, protecting you from illness and infections.
So, what should you eat to get enough protein? Think lean meats like chicken and beef, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and dairy products like cheese and yoghurt.
2. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens contain a nutrient called ‘Folate.’ Folate helps to make happy hormones, keep your memory healthy, and supports the production of brain chemicals that keep your mind feeling sharp.
Where else can you find folate? Oats, sunflower seeds, fortified breads and cereals, lentils, and soybeans.
3. Animal Products
Vitamin B12 is essential for brain function. Without it, you can feel tired, lethargic, weak, and have a low mood. Vitamin B12 is also needed to help folate do its job. Vitamin B12 will keep your brain functioning properly, which will keep your mind and mood feeling good.
Where can you find vitamin B12? Lean beef, oysters, salmon, eggs, cottage cheese, yoghurt, and fortified cereals.
4. Oily Fish
Oily fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which are super healthy fats. These healthy fats can protect our brain from inflammation, keeping it healthy and functioning well. It has also been shown that people who eat higher amounts of foods containing omega-3s have less depression and a better mood!
Where can you find more omega-3? Salmon, tuna, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseed.
5. Vitamin D Foods (or the Sun)
Vitamin D is commonly known as the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ as your body needs to absorb sun rays to make it. Vitamin D has shown to play an important role in mental wellbeing and brain health. Ten minutes in the sun is generally enough to get your daily dose of vitamin D, but on those cold days inside, there are some foods you can eat that have small amounts.
What foods have vitamin D? Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, mushrooms, and eggs.
6. Berries
Berries are jam-packed with antioxidants, which help to prevent your body from releasing a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is the major stress hormone of the body. Eating berries will help reduce the levels of cortisol in your body, leaving you feeling more relaxed and at ease. The less you stress, the happier you’ll be, and the better your brain will function.
What berries should you have? Any berries! Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries – fresh or frozen.
7. Cocoa – Dark Chocolate
Who doesn’t love a little chocolate? The good news is that cocoa (especially dark chocolate) is packed with antioxidants that help improve your mood and protect your brain.
Where can you find cocoa? Dark chocolate (one or two pieces is all you need) and unsweetened cacao powder (add it to a smoothie or yogurt with a drizzle of honey).
8. Bananas
Let’s go bananas for bananas! They are not only delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients that help with stress and anxiety. They’re rich in potassium and magnesium, which are great for your brain and mood. Enjoy a banana as a snack, or add it to your breakfast for a sweet, filling, and brain-boosting treat.
By adding these brain-boosting foods to your meals, you’re giving your body and mind the support they need to stay sharp and happy. Eating a variety of healthy foods, from protein-packed meats to antioxidant-rich berries and stress-busting bananas, is a great way to keep your brain in top shape. So, why not start today and give your brain the love it deserves? Your future self will thank you!
