10 healthy foods that will improve how your brain functions

Your brain is the most important organ in your body. It is responsible for the basic functioning of the rest of your body. It sends signals to various organs instructing them on how to function. It tells your heart to beat, you lungs to expand and contract, your eyelids to blink, your legs to move, etc.

It’s important to keep your brain healthy. Eating well and exercising are two simple ways to keep your brain functioning optimally and keep it in good health hence slowing down its deterioration. This is essential because as you get older you are at risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease, a condition in which you suffer memory loss.

Below are foods that will boost your brain’s function

1. Fish

Fish, fatty fish in particular, contains omega-3 fatty acids that your brain uses to grow brain and nerve cells. Omega-3 fats can also boost learning and memory. The generation of new cells will ultimately slow down the effects of aging on your brain, ensuring that you keep brain disorders like Alzheimer’s at bay.

2. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain antioxidants which help you learn things faster and more easily. It also helps with memory and slows down age-related brain decline.

Chocolate also boosts your mood and it tastes good!

3. Nuts

Be they peanuts, cashew nuts, almonds or walnuts, these contain healthy fats, Vitamin E and antioxidants which are essential in keeping your brain healthy. Vitamin E helps in maintaining your memory and thinking abilities at an optimum. Eat them in any form, roasted, raw, or in the form of a butter to get these benefits.

4. Avocados

Avocados, though rich in fat, have what is known as healthy fats. These fats help in lowering blood pressure which in turn improves your memory and thinking abilities.

You can alternate avocados with chia seeds.

5. Whole grains

For example, brown rice. Whole grains release the energy slowly. Your brain needs this energy to function and this helps in keeping you alert throughout the day.

6.Oranges

Oranges are rich in Vitamin C which can help prevent the rate at which your brain cells decline as you get older. This can also help in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin C also has antioxidants which fight off free radicals which can damage your brain.

Other sources of Vitamin C include tomatoes, bell peppers, guavas and strawberries.

7. Coffee and Tea

Both contain caffeine and antioxidants which can improve the functioning of your brain. Caffeine helps in keeping you focused, in a good mood and can also help you remember things better.

Antioxidants in tea help in maintaining a healthy blood flow while those in coffee can help in reducing the risk of neurological diseases.

Please note that the tea has to be freshly brewed or from a tea bag.

8. Turmeric

It helps to reduce inflammation, decreases memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s, helps improve your mood and improves symptoms of depression

Turmeric can be found on its own and as a component of spices like curry powder. Add it to potatoes to give them a golden colour or to rice to make it yellow.

9. Brocolli

This vegetable contains antioxidants and it has anti-inflammatory effects which help to protect the brain. It also contains Vitamin K which is an essential component of brain cells.

10. Green tea

Like coffee and tea, green tea can help keep you more focussed and alert. It can improve your performance and memory. It also contains an amino acid which contributes to helping you feel more relaxed.Certain compounds in green tea can also protect your brain from mental decline.