So you might have heard that we can eat to boost our brains, but why does everything that’s good for us have to sound so dull? Thankfully, that no longer has to be the case. In fact, the tastiest “brain foods” might satisfy all those cravings and give our minds some help. Perfect.
Eggs
Eggs are often considered to be a wonder food, but what makes them so good for brain function? Thankfully, it’s the B vitamins and folic acid that seem to do the trick. Both of these are thought to delay any decline in our brain’s ability as well as prevent any shrinkage. To top it off, egg yolks also contain choline – a nutrient that helps maintain healthy neurotransmitters in charge of our memories. The best bit? Eggs are so versatile meaning there’s usually a new way to enjoy them.
Lentils
Once again, lentils are filled with various B vitamins that all come together to help boost the power of our brains. However, that’s not all these legumes can do. Lentils are also a great source of folate which helps to lower the level of amino acids in our bodies and therefore protect our minds from anything getting in the way of its normal function. Lentils can be enjoyed in soup, salads, and curries to name a few meals, and can often be an excellent replacement for meat.
Spinach
Many vegetables are thought to help feed our brains, but green leafy options, such as spinach, can have even more benefits. Spinach is an excellent source of iron which helps our blood effectively carry oxygen around our body. What uses 20% of our oxygen? Yup, our minds. Having plenty of iron in your diet is likely to see your brain well-fed with the good stuff all day long.
Avocados
Avocados have come into their own in the last few years as people all around the world can’t wait to smash some on toast or turn them into a delicious dip. As well as keeping up with the trend. Eating avocado could help to feed your brain, too. They are packed with unsaturated fats which help to reduce blood pressure. The link? Having high blood pressure is linked to an increase in cognitive decline – something that might now become less of a worry.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate lovers unite as it looks as though our dreams may have come true. It turns out that dark chocolate could be the next-best brain food. It’s packed full of antioxidants which help to protect our brains from any stress, and can even promote blood vessel and neuron growth in our minds. Amazingly, dark chocolate has also been shown to reverse memory problems as well as help to boost the parts of our minds we need to learn.
It looks as though looking for brain food no longer has to mean piles of tasteless meals. In fact, there are many delicious options that could be what we need to feed more than just our stomachs. Perhaps it’s time to head back to the kitchen?
