The Best Foods for Brain Health

Who doesn’t love food? Sometimes it’s easy to snack on various foods and not think about whether or not those foods are serving any benefit to your brain and body. We’ve compiled a list of foods you can incorporate into your diet to promote brain health and memory retention. Some of these may come as a surprise!

• Salmon – This is more commonly known food for cognitive function and brain health. Sixty-percent of our brains are made up of fat. Omega-3 fatty acids are required for proper brain structure and health, and salmon is packed with it!
• Spinach – All leafy greens are good for you, but spinach is a great source of antioxidants that fight off toxins called free radicals that damage cells and can lead to strokes, heart disease and cancer. Spinach improves memory retention and the nutrients it contains are shown to decrease the development of dementia later in life.
• Berries – Many studies suggest that consuming blueberries decreases the risk of heart disease, obesity and diabetes and improves complexion, hair and energy levels. The minerals found in blueberries, such as iron, zinc, and manganese improve our body’s’ absorption of calcium and naturally decrease blood pressure.
• Celery – You may not have known about this one! Celery contains luteolin, a compound found to reduce inflammation of the brain. It fights against Alzheimer’s Disease, and the compound can also be found in green peppers. It’s so much more than just a low-calorie snack!
• Walnuts – You learned earlier that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain and cognitive function and health. Walnuts are a plant-based source of these nutrients and they also contain protein. Add some to a fresh spinach salad for maximum
• Crab – Surprisingly, crab is one of the healthiest foods you can eat– if eaten in moderation. Be mindful of the amount of crab you consume, as it can be high in cholesterol and sodium with certain types of crab. However, given the correct portions, crab is a very low-calorie, mineral-packed food that contains Vitamin B12, which helps in converting food to energy, regulates blood cell development and helps nerve cell function. Stick to steamed crab and avoid the butter and cream sauces that are high in fat.