Top 6 Foods for Optimal Brain Function

Woman looking at food options When school gets busy and your calendar becomes flooded with deadlines, it can be easy to forget to treat your body right. The age-old saying goes, “you are what you eat,” but unfortunately many people don’t take this seriously. Deep fried, processed, and heavily packaged foods hold a lot appeal; they taste delicious, they’re quick, and most of all, they’re easy to access. Unfortunately, although convenient, these foods tend to be high in cholesterol leaving you to feel sluggish, unbalanced, and cloudy-minded. Here are 6 foods that can help boost brain function and improve memory.

1. Fish

Fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and this is truly brain food. Fish can help to improve memory and lower the risk of stroke, dementia, and poor mental health. Certainly, fish can have a very unique taste that many may not like, however, tasteless and odourless fish oil multivitamins are available at most grocery stores. Essential fatty acids can fuel your brain and promote long-term mental capabilities.

2. Blueberries

Not only are blueberries delicious, but they’re also amazing for cognitive function! Blueberries have been proven to promote cognition and improve memory. The best thing about blueberries is that they’re a great study snack; just pack a container and you can snack on them while reading over your notes in the library.

3. Eggs

Studies have shown that diets rich in choline (a natural vitamin found in egg-yolks) can promote verbal and visual memory. It should also be noted that breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day especially when it comes to fueling brain power. A high-protein breakfast helps to give you energy to last throughout the day which is necessary when trying to focus on academics.

4. Avocado

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly ripened avocado and fortunately, this superfood is amazing for brain health. Not only does it lower blood pressure, but avocado is rich in monosaturated fat; This promotes healthy blood flow within the brain, too.

5. Water

It’s a known fact that humans need water on a daily basis to survive, however, many people do not drink enough of it. Studies show that dehydration can actually shrink brain tissue, therefore it’s essential to promote brain function by drinking enough water.

6. Yogurt

Many people know that yogurt is ideal for gut health. Yogurt contains probiotics which are good bacteria that help keep the gut in good health. Although yogurt does not directly influence the brain itself, it does keep digestion intact which is essential for absorbing all those nutrient-dense foods that will promote brain function. In other words, yogurt can help keep you feeling good and prepare your body and mind to be able to perform its best.

The brain is a complicated, yet intriguing organ that helps to dictate our entire being, so it’s important that we take care of it. Eating these “brain foods” will help promote clarity, cognition, and improve memory both in the short and long term. Know of any other foods that promote optimal brain function? Sound off in the comments below!