Brainy Dose Presents: The 10 Best Foods To Boost Brain Power and
Improve Memory You know that how you eat can affect your
body, but what you put in your mouth also affects your mood, your brain’s energy,
your memory, and even your ability to handle stress, complex problems, or simple daily
tasks! Though your brain weighs only 2% of your body
weight, it consumes 20% of the calories you eat! And the more nutrients you eat, the sharper
your brain works. So, to be naturally brainy, eat the following
foods liberally! Number 1 - Legumes Legumes are an excellent source of complex
carbohydrates! These complex carbohydrates are also mixed
with fiber that slow down absorption, providing a steady supply of glucose to the brain without
the risks of sugar spikes associated with many other sugar sources. Legumes are also rich in folate — a B vitamin
critical to brain function! Number 2 - Mint Mint is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin
C. Vitamin A can help boost learning skills and
increase brain plasticity, while vitamin C is said to protect against cognitive decline. According to studies, even the scent of mint
affects brain functioning by boosting alertness and memory. It also helps improve basic clerical skills,
such as typing and memorization. Number 3 - Broccoli Broccoli is not only a superfood for the whole
body, it’s also one of the best foods to boost brain power and improve your memory! It’s rich in calcium, vitamin C, B vitamins,
beta-carotene, iron, fiber, and vitamin K. These nutrients protect against free radicals,
they maintain proper blood circulation, and remove heavy metals that can damage the brain. Broccoli’s potassium content helps the nervous
system, which in turn helps the brain. Research also suggests that broccoli can help
contribute to the brain healing itself in the event of an injury! That’s pretty powerful stuff for a vegetable,
and it’s not just limited to broccoli, but extends to the cruciferous vegetable family,
including cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Number 4 - Beets One of the simplest ways to increase brain
power naturally is to include more beets in your diet. They’re high in nitrates, which help increase
blood flow in parts of the brain related to executive functioning. Beets also contain lots of vitamin B9, which
can aid cognitive functioning and delay dementia. In addition, beets are rich in carotenoids,
which can help boost brain functioning and stave off depression. Number 5 - Seeds Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds especially,
are great for the brain! They contain a rich mix of protein, omega
fatty acids, and B vitamins. These seeds also contain tryptophan, which
the brain converts into serotonin to boost mood and combat depression. Eating a handful of seeds daily will also
provide your daily recommended amount of zinc, which can help enhance memory and thinking
skills! Soaked and sprouted seeds are even healthier! Number 6 - Nuts Especially walnuts and almonds, they are some
of the best brain-boosting foods on the planet, and they’re extremely good for the nervous
system too. Nuts are a great source of omega 3 and omega
6 fatty acids, vitamin B6; and vitamin E, which has been shown to improve brain power
and prevent many forms of dementia by protecting the brain from free radicals. Though it is worth noting, nuts contain some
anti-nutrients - such as phytic acid, so it’s much healthier if you soak them overnight
before you eat them. Number 7 - Quinoa Quinoa is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates
and fiber to balance blood sugar while providing the essential glucose the brain craves. Quinoa is also a good source of iron which
helps keep the blood oxygenated, while B vitamins balance mood and protect blood vessels. It is also gluten free for those with sensitivities
to this protein. But, like most seeds, grains, and nuts, quinoa
should be soaked overnight before cooking. Number 8 - Avocado Good quality fats are extremely important
for brain health, and avocados are a really good source of mono-unsaturated fats, omega
3, and omega 6 fatty acids. These increase blood flow to the brain, lower
cholesterol, and aid in the absorption of antioxidants. Avocados also come with many antioxidants
of their own, including vitamin E, which protect the body and the brain from free radical damage. They’re also a good source of potassium
and vitamin K—both protect the brain from the risk of stroke. Number 9 - Blueberries These berries are antioxidant powerhouses,
protecting the brain from oxidative damage and stress that lead to premature aging, Alzheimer’s,
and dementia. The flavonoids in blueberries also improve
the communication between neurons, which leads to improved memory, learning, and improved
cognitive functions - including reasoning, decision making, verbal comprehension, and
numerical ability. Number 10 - Coconut Oil Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides
that the body uses for energy, leaving glucose for the brain. It also seems to have a beneficial effect
on blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. And anything that benefits the heart and circulation,
also benefits the brain! Coconut oil also acts as an anti-inflammatory
and has been linked in the prevention of Alzheimer’s and dementia. While there’s no single brain food that
can completely protect against age-related disorders, paying attention to what you eat,
gives you the best chances of getting all the nutrients you need for cognitive health. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes
these 10 brain-boosting foods will help keep your memory, concentration and focus as sharp
as can be. Thanks for watching and thanks for subscribing! If you thought this video was useful, give
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