It’s no secret that your brain is kind of a big deal, so make sure it gets the food it deserves (the brain food boosters). The brain is the skipper of your body and in charge of keeping your thoughts running, your lungs breathing, your feet moving, and of course, your heart beating.
Even though we tend to focus on other parts of our body, it is crucial to keep our brain in peak working condition to breeze through the day, and it all starts with the type of food we consume.
Our brain works pretty similar to a car engine in the sense that it needs “fuel” to get going. Without petrol, your car would not move an inch, and your brain is no different. Eating the right food at the right time can do wonders to not only keep your brain healthy but also improve specific mental tasks, such as memory and concentration.
Our dietitian Jess compiled a list with 11 brain food boosters you should add to your diet today.
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is great for our nervous system due to the high concentration of potassium.
2. Garlic
Garlic is a must-ingredient for every healthy household. Not only is garlic highly nutritious and great for your blood pressure, but it also offers your brain protection against aging and memory loss.
3. Dark chocolate
Good news, chocolate lovers! In moderation, dark chocolate can strengthen the bodies immune system, which correlates with a boosted blood flow to the brain.
4. Almonds
This little piece of nut is a Vitamine E bomb which helps to maintain your cognitive abilities and boost your alertness.
5. Lean Meat
Again, it’s all about the balance. In moderation, lean meat can help to calm down your thoughts thanks to the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in red meat, chicken, turkey, fish, and even eggs. Lean meat is also rich in vitamin B6 and B12, which helps the brain’s neurotransmitters and boosts your metabolism, respectively.
6. Eggs
Egg yolk is a great ingredient to kickstart your memory in the morning, while the high concentration of protein constitutes to the healthy development of your brain too.
8. Banana
Bananas are one hell of a brain food and rich in potassium, which helps our brain to focus and think more clearly over a more extended period.
9. Spinach
Just ask Poppey! Spinach is packed with healthy nutrients and considered a super food. It boosts the circulation of blood in your brain, which lowers the risk of a stroke, brain, and other brain injuries.
10. Carrots
Carrots aren’t just good for your eyes but your brain too! The key ingredient called Luteolin is a memory booster and at the same time slows down aging and can even prevent cancer.
11. Water
This one goes without saying. Drink plenty of water! Dehydration is a common reason for headaches and lightheadedness, which won’t be kind on your concentration and focus.
There are plenty of other great and delicious snacks, drinks, and brain foods that are not only great for your mind but a healthy lifestyle in general. Want to know more? Check in with our dietitian for custom meal plans and more at ACE Health Centre, Clear Island Waters on the Gold Coast or you can read more about it Australian Dietary Guidelines > https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au