Foods For Brain Health - 5 Yummy Ideas

by Huffington Post:We've written about how reading, writing and playing a wide assortment of games can lead to healthier brains later in life. We've covered how exercise and participation in new and complex activities also can boost your brain.But what about diet? Certainly the Mediterranean diet has been associated with brain health and longevity.To simplify things even more, we've come up with five top foods to enjoy for ultimate brain health.1. Fatty FishFatty fish such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel boast the omega-3 fatty acids that are key for maintaining healthy brain cells. A Mediterranean diet, built on a foundation of fish, as well as fruits and vegetables, has been found to improve the brain power of older people even better than a low-fat diet.2. CoffeeResearchers have found that a shot of caffeine can boost your brain power temporarily, especially when you aren't getting enough sleep. But coffee drinkers also may enjoy an up to 60 percent lower risk of getting Alzheimer's and dementia. However, too much coffee can also cause cardiovascular troubles.3. SpinachSpinach is packed with the antioxidant lutein, which is believed to help protect against cognitive decline, according to various studies.4. Olive OilStudies show that olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to actually slow brain aging.5. BerriesStudies show that berries may play a vital role in clearing the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain. In addition, other studies have shown berries to protect against inflammation and also to improve cognitive functions in stressed young rats. Source: http://huff.to/16V0fN8