10 Brain Foods to help boost your focus and memory

Veggy Malta has a look at what foods help power our brains to work better. After all there is a correlation between the food we eat and how the brain function. So lets have a look at what you can eat that will help your focus and memory. What are the best brain foods?

Here is a list of ten brain foods that are good for mind and body.

1. Beetroot. This much disliked but pretty vegetable is a memory secret weapon. If you have a problem with eating it raw, try juicing it.  Beetroot juice can help detox the body and purify it. It also helps stimulate red blood cell production. [1]
2. Avocados. They are rich in Vitamin K and folate as well as vitamin B and C. A study showed that an avocado may boost memory in elderly giving me some hope for the near future. [2] Avocado should be considered as brain food. And whilst many consider this fruit as too fatty, it is very rich in nutrients that affect brain health. [3]
3. Broccoli. I guess if I protested less against eating broccoli when I was young I might have got better results in my exams. Broccoli have high contents of vitamin K and choline and very high levels of vitamin C.  Choline is a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. [4]
4. Blueberries. Whether you want to have them as a smoothie or on a pancake or maybe mixed as a fresh fruit salad with strawberries, avocado and walnuts, the result is the same. This fruit is healthy for both mind and body. Rich in vitamin C and K and in gallic acid. [5]
5. Dark chocolate. This is great news for those with a sweet tooth. Dark chocolate (not milk chocolate) contains flavanoids which have an antioxidant effect on the brain. Obviously this does not mean that one should overly indulge in dark chocolate, yet one should balance a mix of fruit and vegetables rich in flavanoids along with some dark chocolate. [6]
6. Coconut Oil. Whilst not enough research has been done on the link between coconut oil and memory, there is a growing body of people who are strongly promoting this. [7]
7. Green leafy vegetables. A recent study showed that eating approximately 1 serving a day of leafy green vegetables was linked to slower loss of memory with ageing. [8] these would be vegetables like kale, spinach, Swiss chard, Romaine lettuce and cabbage.
8. Turmeric. This spice is known for it’s many beneficial properties. So easy to consume as turmeric tea or even added with food. Turmeric‘s anti-inflammatory properties are key here.
9. Rosemary. This traditional Mediterranean herb smells well, tastes great but also has active ingredients that protect the brain. Even Shakespeare used to say that taking rosemary can improve your memory. [9]
10. Walnuts. Don’t go nut, eat walnuts. Walnut are a top brain food and just a few a day can help improve your cognitive health. [10]

So if your exams are approaching or just want some brain food you have a choice. As always all products should be taken in conjunction with a healthy and balanced diet taking care of all teh nutritional needs of the body.

Disclaimer: The information and content on this site is intended to be of general informational use. It is not intended to constitute medical advice, medical diagnosis, or medical treatment. They are not intended to replace a one-to-one relationship with a qualified health care professional. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before making any changes in your diet, exercise pattern or lifestyle.