Who doesn’t want a brain boost from time to time?
We’ve all felt a little sluggish or had trouble concentrating occasionally.
It’s perfectly normal, and as we age, or when we’re struggling with other health issues or low mood, these periods can become extended, and have a negative effect on our day to day life.
There are plenty of things that you can do to boost your brainpower, both in the short term with a quick pick me up, and in the long term, making changes that can help you to avoid the effects of aging, and stay mentally sharp whatever else is going on it your life.
Things like challenging your brain with reading, puzzles, and learning new things can have a great effect on your brainpower, giving it a workout to push it to its limits.
Exercising, getting fresh air and lots of sleep, and even what you eat and drink can also boost your mind.
Here’s a look at six of the things that you could add to your diet which could help you to feel sharper, more focused, and more alert.
6 Best Foods and Drinks for Brainpower:
1. Coffee.
There have always been plenty of arguments about how good for us caffeine is.
Yes, coffee tastes nice. Yes, it certainly helps you to feel more alert. However, some people worry that it can be addictive, and have a negative effect on their mood.
By understanding the effects of caffeine, we start to see that there’s much more to it than that.
In moderation, coffee can help you to feel alert, boost your brainpower, and even help to regulate your internal clock, making sleep easier.
If you don’t like coffee, the caffeine in tea can have similar effects.
2. Leafy Greens.
Leafy green vegetables like cabbage, kale, and spinach are rich in nutrients like vitamin K and folate which can slow cognitive decline and improve brainpower.
Try to eat a portion of leafy greens every day.
3. Fatty Fish.
Fatty fish such as canned tuna, cod, and salmon, contain high levels of omega 3 fatty acids.
Having higher levels of these acids is great because around 60% of your brain is made up of fats, so it needs replenishing to work at its best.
Eating more omega 3 fatty acids has been linked to lower levels of beta amyloid in the blood.
This can decrease the risks of cognitive decay as we age, and also reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s and other kinds of dementia.
On the other hand, lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids have been linked to learning difficulties and mental health issues.
4. Berries.
Berries such as strawberries and blueberries contain a lot of flavonoids, which give them their bright colors.
Research shows that flavonoids can improve memory.
If you struggle to eat two servings of berries a week, consider drinking them in a breakfast smoothie instead.
5. Walnuts.
Most nuts are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats which, like fatty fish, can prevent mental decline, boost memory, and improve brainpower.
Walnuts contain especially high levels.
6. Turmeric.
The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin.
Curcumin is an anti oxidant with a huge range of benefits. These include boosting memory, increasing concentration, and helping new brain cells to grow.
We typically eat turmeric in curries and other spicy dishes, and while it’s easy to add extra to your food, the research into its brain boosting powers has typically used much higher quantities than you would see in food.
This means that taking a supplement can be more effective.
What You Should Remember?
Boosting your brainpower with food and drink, sleep, exercise, and mental workouts can help you to focus in the short term, but it can do much more than that, care for your brain now, and you could stay sharper and mentally fitter for a lot longer.