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If you are interested in Nootropic Supplements you may always want to familiarize yourself with the power of everyday foods for brain health and brain cell protection.
No worries about needing to track down anything too exotic either – in fact simple staples like blueberries, dark chocolate and low-fat dairy products are great places to start! In fact many everyday fruits and vegetables contain a wealth of antioxidants, which are essential for protecting brain cells from cell damage.
And protecting the brain (neuroprotection) is a huge part of improving brain health – because when brain cells are damaged, you can suffer from memory loss, poor concentration, and poor decision making. In fact damaged brain cells may even cause a person to experience anxiety, depression and irritability (and even worse things, but I don’t want to freak you out!)
Let’s take a look at a few of the best brain health foods around:
Table of Contents
#1 – Dark Chocolate
In recent research shows that eating dark chocolate containing more antioxidants is beneficial in preventing age related cognitive decline. The flavonoid polyphenols in dark chocolate help protect nerve cells from oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is one of the primary causes of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Studies have also shown that daily consumption of a small amount of dark chocolate reduces your risk of developing depression and dementia. Dark chocolate is also beneficial in reducing heart disease and controlling diabetes.
#2 – Coffee
Another brain benefit of dark chocolate is its natural caffeine extract. Caffeine has been shown in numerous studies to reduce stress, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. Coffee is another natural source of antioxidants, with compounds called flavonoids and other polyphenols, as well as caffeine, being beneficial to cardiovascular health. The most recent research shows that drinking coffee is beneficial in reducing the risk of developing depression.
#3 – Fatty Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish are an important ingredient in many brain health supplements. They reduce the risk of developing depression and dementia and improve cognitive function. Similarly, a diet that is low in sodium can help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of stroke. Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be influenced by toxins that attack brain cells. New studies have found that high amounts of inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream may contribute to the development of the disease.
#4 – Green Tea
Some of the brain health foods that you eat can also protect against cognitive decline. Green tea, for example, has demonstrated benefits in both memory and cognitive ability. However, drinking just one cup of green tea daily is not enough to reap the benefits. In fact, to reap its full benefits, you should drink four cups daily. Researchers believe that the antioxidants in green tea help prevent cells from being damaged by free radicals, which are created when your body breaks down chemical compounds. Green tea also contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that prevent the formation of new brain cells that could die in the brain.
#5 – Fruits And Veggies
Of course, vegetables and fruits are some of the most important ingredients in keeping a healthy brain. Vegetables and fruits are full of essential nutrients that help keep your brain functioning properly. When you eat these foods, your body will not only get the nutrients it needs but also get important minerals like iron, which helps keep anemia down. In addition, the fruits and vegetables will make your body more alkaline, which can help keep the brain healthy. However, too much of any food or drink can actually be harmful to your brain, so you need to pay attention to portions. Even though you should consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables each day, it’s still important to monitor your portion sizes to ensure that you do not eat an entire serving at once.
#6 – AVOID: Too Much Saturated Fat
One of the main causes of poor brain health is eating too much saturated fat, which comes from fatty meats such as pork and beef. While these meats may be high in protein, they are also packed with saturated fat. Eating too much saturated fat has been shown to reduce memory function, lower IQ, cause weight gain and even increase the risk of stroke in women. The problem is that there are so many different types of foods out there, and everyone needs to learn how to read nutrition labels to determine what they are getting.
#7 – More Brain Health Staples
Low-fat dairy products such as yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese and whole grains provide some of the nutrients your brain needs. Additionally, many people don’t get enough calcium from their diets, which is essential to building strong bones and teeth. Vitamins C and E are important components of many fruits, vegetables whole grains, as well as B vitamins, which are important to maintain proper brain health.
To sum things up, to maximize brain health it’s a good idea to eat a well rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats and healthy fats. Furthermore try to consume antioxidant rich foods like berries, chocolate and coffee on a daily basis. Moderation is key, and of course get your hands on an elite level nootropic supplement to really take your brain function to the next level!