Hey, we all do it: drive to work on a day off, forget the name of that thingy-majiggy, ask our partner what they want for dinner three times in a row. It’s called absentmindedness.
This mostly just because we’re distracted by our busy lives, right? Not so much.
“Brain fog”, which seems to be taking over modern society and troubling all ages, may actually be caused by what we eat.
Our what? Yes, Forgetful Franny, what you eat has a massive role to play in your cognitive health.
All the added artificial sweeteners, colourants, preservatives, sugars, caffeine and gluten in the modern diet is wreaking havoc with our brains. Unfortunately, when we’re already feeling a bit dazed and confused, we’re more likely to make questionable food choices than when our minds are sharper and stronger.
The solution? Definitely not another cup of coffee.
But which foods are best for brains? A diet of whole, unprocessed foods fuels our brains by stabilising blood glucose levels, meaning we’re able to think and focus more clearly.
Here are 6 of the best foods to boost your brain power & memory so you don’t leave your keys in the freezer:
Avocado
In addition to being delicious and single handedly responsible for millennials homelessness, avocados are rich in fatty acids, which help protect the neurons that send information through your brain. The creamy fruit also contributes to healthy blood flow, which promotes increased brain acuity too.
Seems like your go-to Sunday brunch order of smashed avo on sourdough is a great brain food and entirely acceptable after all.
Blueberries
Called “brainberries” by Steven Platt, MD, author of Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods Proven to Change Your Life, blueberries have shown to improve memory and cognitive function.
They may even help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.
Beans
This humble legume is more than just a vegan’s pantry staple, who knew they were an ideal food choice for brain function? Able to stabilise blood sugar levels, beans release a steady stream of glucose, which helps our brains function optimally. They’re also full of essential fibre, protein, complex carbs and micronutrients that keep us sharp, focused and sharp.
Beans on toast anyone?
Nuts and seeds
Just one handful of nuts and seeds a day can help reduce inflammation and clear up brain fog. An excellent source of protein and fibre, nuts and seeds are powerhouses of minerals, vitamins and brain-loving essential fatty acids. They also keep us full, so we stay energised.
Leafy greens
Kale, spinach, bok choy, watercress, your brain isn’t fussy, it just wants them greens. This is because these veggies contain Lutein, a carotenoid that helps preserve cognitive function and mental sharpness as the brain ages. A study published in Frontiers for Aging Neuroscience revealed that lutein accumulates in the brain, where it likely plays a neuroprotective role. The nutrient is stockpiled over an entire lifespan so it may be a factor in lifelong brain health.
Turns out your mom did you a favour by force-feeding you broccoli.
Dark chocolate
With powerful antioxidants and natural stimulants, dark chocolate is as good for the brain as it is on the tongue. The decadent sweet treat helps to improve your focus and ability to concentrate, as well as stimulate the production of endorphins, which supports brain health and enhances our moods.
Guess this means that after-dinner block or two is not indulgent, it’s essential.
Brain Foods For The Win
What we eat impacts our cells, blood, tissues, moods and thoughts; so when we eat poor-quality foods, we feel tired and foggy. Whereas when we fuel our brains with a nutritious, whole food diet, drink plenty of water and avoid refined sugars and processed foods, we feel energised and brainier than the “nerd” emoji.
The health of your brain is also linked to the health of your gut, as research has shown that probiotics and prebiotics have been shown to reduce levels of anxiety, stress and depression. So to boost your brain and your gut, try Memrise brought to you by Releaf Pharmaceuticals and Releaf Probiotic 12-Strain, Releaf Probiotic Active 12-strain or Releaf Probiotic Melt 12-strain, which may assist in improving and normalising the microbial balance in the human intestines and thereby supporting digestive tract/gut function.
