Most of us look for foods that help us build muscle, or improve heart health, gut health, but very few of us give importance to our brain health. The brain controls all of our mental as well as physical functions. It is very crucial for us to incorporate such products in our diet that will take good care of our brain health. So today through this article, we will be sharing a list of few memory boosting foods. Knowing and eating the best foods for brain health will help you work towards a good memory. So, let us learn about few such foods.
1. Walnut
Walnut looks so much like our brain! It’s shape itself resemble it’s significance for our brain health. Eating walnut is not only good for your muscles, heart and gut but also for your brain. They contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which are linked to better brain function and memory. They are also rich in Vitamin E, which protects brain cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Research suggests that vitamin E may also contribute to better cognitive health and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Further, they are also rich in other vitamins like Folic Acid or Vitamin B9, and Vitamin B6.
2. Whole Grains
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Normally, grains lose their nutrition during excessive processing. But, whole grains on the other hand retain their bran (nutritious outer layer), germ (the nutrient-rich embryo of the seed) and endosperm. They are extremely nutritious and beneficial for overall health. They are also quite rich in Vitamin E content and hence, we must include them in the best foods for brain health. Brown rice, barley, bulgur wheat, oatmeal, whole grain bread and whole grain pasta are some of the ways to incorporate the goodness of whole grains in the diet.
3. Leafy Green Vegetables
We rarely listen to our parents when they ask us to eat green vegetables! But we must realise the actual power of these vegetables which are not only beneficial for our physical health but also for our brain health. It is a low calorie source of dietary fiber, protein, as well as a rich source of many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They produce isothiocyanate, which when broken down in the body reduces oxidative stress and reduces the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. So give a boost to your brain by adding green leafy vegetables in your diet.
4. Pumpkin Seeds
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You might be unaware of such benefits which you can derive from pumpkin seeds. These pumpkin seeds are quite a rich source of robust antioxidants, which shields your not only your body but also your brain, against the free radical damages.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is a dark yellow spice which is also one of the vital ingredient of Indian cuisine. Besides, adding colour to your food, turmeric also adds more of nutritional value to it. Using turmeric as a natural antiseptic is a common practice in India. Thus, it has wide range of applications like in culinary, medical and cosmetic sectors. Curcumin, the active ingredient present in turmeric, has been found to directly enter the brain and benefit cells in there. Further, it is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that has been linked to improved memory, mood and cognitive performance.
