Brain is considered to be the CPU of our body as it is the control center. So the brain should be kept in best working condition. The foods you eat play a major role in the health of your brain. Some brain friendly foods which are also shown to have a good impact on your memory, are mentioned below:
1. Coffee:
Many people drink coffee to stay awake and encourage focus. The caffeine present in coffee blocks adenosine in the brain, which makes a person feel sleepy.
Studies suggest that caffeine may also increase the brain’s capacity for processing information and it causes an increase in brain entropy, which refers to complex and variable brain activity. The brain can process more information when entropy is high. Coffee is also a source of antioxidants, which may support brain health as a person gets older. Caffeine can, however, affect a person’s sleep if taken in excess and doctors do not recommend caffeine consumption for everyone.
2. Turmeric:
Turmeric is a key ingredient in curry powder and has a number of benefits for the brain. The active ingredient in turmeric, Curcumin, has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it can directly enter the brain and benefit the cells present there. It's a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that has been linked to the benefitting of memory, easing depression and helping new brain cells grow.
3. Eggs:
Eggs are a good source of several nutrients including vitamins B6 and B12, folate and choline, which are tied to brain health.
Choline is an important micronutrient that your body uses to create acetylcholine, which helps regulate mood and memory. Studies found that higher intakes of choline were linked to better memory and mental function. Nevertheless, many people don't get enough choline in their diet and eating eggs is an easy way to get it, given that egg yolks are among the most concentrated sources of this nutrient. Also, the B vitamins have several roles in brain health. They may help slow the progression of mental decline in the elderly and being deficient in two types of B vitamins — folate and B12 — has been linked to depression.
4. Oranges:
One medium orange contains all the Vitamin C you need in a day which is a key factor in preventing mental decline. Eating sufficient amounts of vitamin C-rich foods can protect you against age-related mental decline and Alzheimer's disease. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off the free radicals that can damage brain cells and also supports brain health as you age.
5. Dark chocolate:
Dark chocolate contains cocoa, also known as cacao which contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants are very important for brain health, as the brain is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which contributes to age-related cognitive decline and brain diseases.
Cacao flavonoids seem to be good for the brain as they may encourage neuron and blood vessel growth in parts of the brain involved in memory and learning. The researchers concluded that eating this type of dark chocolate may improve brain plasticity, which is crucial for learning, and may also provide other brain-related benefits.
6. Broccoli:
Broccoli is rich in fiber and nutrients. It contains vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower Broccoli is rich in compounds called glucosinolates. When the body breaks these down, they produce isothiocyanates which may reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Broccoli also contains vitamin C and flavonoids, which can further boost a person’s brain health.
7. Nuts:
Researches show that eating nuts can improve heart health which is in-turn linked to having a healthy brain. They can also improve cognition and even help prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Also, it was found that women who ate nuts regularly over the course of several years had a sharper memory, compared to those who didn't eat nuts. While all nuts are good for your brain, walnuts are considered to have an extra edge, since they also deliver omega-3 fatty acids.