Best foods to boost your brain and memory: Your brain is kind of a big deal. As the control center of your body, it’s in charge of keeping your heart beating and lungs breathing and allowing you to move, feel, and think.

That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your brain in peak working condition.

The foods you eat play a role in keeping your brain healthy and can improve specific mental tasks, such as memory and concentration.

 

The brain is an energy-intensive organ, using around 20 percent of the body’s calories, so it needs plenty of good fuel to maintain concentration throughout the day.

The brain also requires certain nutrients to stay healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, help build and repair brain cells, and antioxidants reduce cellular stress and inflammation, which are linked to brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

This article explores the scientific evidence behind 12 of the best brain foods.

 

Published in the Neurology journal, this study proved that green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, collard greens, and cabbage preserve memory and the ability to think as one ages. It was also observed that people who consumed these vegetables once a day experienced a slower cognitive decline as opposed to others.

Green leafy vegetables, however, are not the only solution to dementia. The British Heart Foundation shared a list of foods that can help lower the risk of dementia.

  • Berries like strawberries and blueberries – two or more servings in a wee
  • Nuts
  • Wholegrains – minimum three servings in a day
  • Chicken or turkey – twice a week
  • Fish – one or more servings in a week
  • Beans and lentils – three or more servings in a week
  • Olive oil
  • Wine – not more than one glass a day
  • Cut down on processed meats like bacon and sausages, processed cheese
  • Healthy bread
  • Potatoes
  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Six to eight glasses of water in a day