By Dr. Mercola
If you could protect your brain against
degeneration, nourish your neurons and even boost
the production of neurotransmitters just by eating
more delicious whole foods… would you do it?
There's good news for those of you who said yes…
you certainly can boost your brainpower with the
foods you eat. And if you're wondering which foods
are best for your brain, check out the top nine
below.
Eat More of These Top 9 Foods for Brainpower
1. Curry
Curry contains turmeric, a spice that in turn
contains the anti-inflammatory antioxidant
curcumin. Curcumin is capable of crossing the
blood-brain barrier, which is one reason why it
holds promise as a neuroprotective agent in a wide
range of neurological disorders.
Research has shown that curcumin may help inhibit
the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the
brain of Alzheimer's patients, as well as break up
existing plaques. Curcumin has even been shown
to boost memory and stimulate the production of
new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis.
A word to the wise… some curry powders may
contain very little curcumin compared to straight
turmeric powder, so choose the latter for the best
health benefits.
2. Celery
Celery is a rich source of luteolin, a plant
compounds that may calm inflammation in your
brain, which is a primary cause of
neurodegeneration. Luteolin has also been linked
with lower rates of age-related memory loss in
mice. In addition to celery, peppers and carrots
are also good sources of luteolin.
3. Broccoli and Cauliflower
Broccoli and cauliflower are good sources of
choline , a B vitamin known for its role in brain
development. Choline intake during pregnancy
"super-charged" the brain activity of animals in
utero, indicating that it may boost cognitive function,
improve learning and memory,
It may even diminish age-related memory decline
and your brain's vulnerability to toxins during
childhood, as well as conferring protection later in
life. Eggs and meat are among the best food
sources of choline.
4. Walnuts
Walnuts are good sources of plant-based omega-3
fats, natural phytosterols and antioxidants, and
have been shown to reverse brain aging in older
rats. DHA, in particular, is a type of omega-3 fat
that's been found to boost brain function and even
promote brain healing , although it's more plentiful in
animal-based omega-3 sources, like krill, as
opposed to walnuts.
5. Crab
One serving of crab contains more than your entire
daily requirement of phenylalanine, an amino acid
that helps make the neurotransmitter dopamine,
brain-stimulating adrenaline and noradrenaline and
thyroid hormone, and may help fight Parkinson's
disease. Crab is also an excellent source of brain-
boosting vitamin B12.
6. Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
Garbanzo beans are one of the best food sources of
magnesium (aside from kelp and green leafy
vegetables). Magnesium citrate benefits brain cell
receptors to speed the transmission of messages,
while also relaxing blood vessels, which allows
more blood flow to the brain.
7. Red Meat
Red meat like grass-fed beef is an excellent source
of vitamin B12, which is vital for healthy brain
function. People with high levels of markers for
vitamin B12 deficiency are more likely to score
lower on cognitive tests, as well as have a smaller
total brain volume, which suggests a lack of the
vitamin may lead to brain shrinkage.
8. Blueberries
The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in
blueberries have been linked to improvements in
learning, thinking and memory, along with
reductions in neurodegenerative oxidative stress.
They're also relatively low in fructose compared to
other fruits, making them one of the healthier fruits
available.
9. Healthy Fats
Beneficial health-promoting fats that your body—
and your brain in particular—needs for optimal
function include organic butter from raw milk,
clarified butter called organic grass fed raw butter,
olives, organic virgin olive oil and coconut oil, nuts
like pecans and macadamia, free-range eggs, wild
Alaskan salmon, and avocado, for example.
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