Brain Food: Superfoods To Improve Your Cognitive Function
by Huffington Post:We've all had those days when we just can't seem to concentrate. And while there's no magic pill to bring us back to the height of our cognitive powers, there are some foods that have been shown to improve brain function, protect against age-associated cognitive decline and encourage focus and clarity.But before you dismiss the diet-brain connection as mere conjecture, keep in mind that study after study has found a relationship between what we put in our mouths and how well we can perform important thinking and memory tasks. While certain nutrients may specifically assist brain function, there is also the totality of our diets to consider.One recent U.K. study found that a diet high in saturated fat actually caused damage to neurons that control energy and appetite in mice. And several well-regarded studies have shown that meal timing is an important predictor of performance. For example, research shows that eating breakfast can improve the memory and acquisition skills of schoolchildren.We put together the top brain foods -- tell us in the comments if any have made a difference for you. After all, who couldn't use a little extra oomph up there?
Olive OilOlive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to actually slow brain aging.BerriesAnimal studies have long indicated a link between berry consumption and brain health. But a recent study published in the Annals of Neurology found that a diet high in blueberries, strawberries and others were linked to a slower mental decline in areas like memory and focus in a large sample of middle-aged women, reported TIME's Alice Park.SardinesFatty fish like sardines (and salmon) are a well-known brain booster, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which have been linked to lower risk of dementia,improved focus and memory.CoffeeCaffeine, the mild stimulant found in coffee, improves mental acuity, though the drink's enthusiasts -- who guzzle 120,000 tons of the stuff each year -- likely already know that.Aside from caffeine's brain boosting effects, coffee's antioxidant richness helps maintain brain health. And some research suggests that drinking coffee can actually stave off depression in women.SpinachSpinach is rich in the antioxidant lutein, which is thought to help protect against cognitive decline, according to researchers from Tufts University.And a longitudinal study at harvard Medical school found that women who reported eating the most leafy green and cruciferous vegetables had a markedly lower rate of cognitive decline.Dark ChocolateAntioxidant-rich dark chocolate is healthy for your whole body, but its caffeine content is thought to play a role in maintaining mental acuity.What's more, chocolate is rich in flavonoids, a class of antioxidant that helps to improve blood flow (and thus brain health) by regulating cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.AvocadosAvocados are full of monounsaturated fats that improve vascular health and blood flow, making them another brain food.WaterWhen a person becomes dehydrated, their brain tissue actually shrinks. And several studies have shown that dehydration can affect cognitive function.Dehydration can impair short-term memory, focus and decision making, according to Psychology Today.Wheat GermWheat germ is a rich vegetarian source of choline -- a nutrient that is involved in the body's production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that boosts memory, according to Shape.Eggs are another good choline source.BeetsBeets are a good source of naturally-occurring nitrates, which help improve blood flow to the brain, according to Shape.GarlicGarlic may help stave off some forms of brain cancer, according to research published inCancer, the medical journal of the American Cancer Society. Investigators found that the organo-sulfer compounds in garlic actually work to kill glioblastoma cells -- a type of malignant tumor cell.Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/18/brain-food-superfoods_n_1895328.html