Brain health is so important in our everyday life. By being proactive in our choices today, including the foods we eat on a daily basis, we can ensure better brain health and function for years to come.  Did you know that your brain requires a specific set of nutrients that facilitate the growth of new brain cells to improve memory, cognition, and more?

Below is a list of  foods that you could incorporate to improve your brain health:

Wild-caught fish

Look for foods high in essential fatty acids like wild-caught fish. Salmon and sardines are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids which are necessary for nerve growth and brain function.

Eggs

Eggs are one of  the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat for brain health! Eggs are high in choline which is responsible for facilitating the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and supporting cell-membrane signaling.

Walnuts

In general, most nuts are great for brain health but walnuts stand apart from the rest due to their high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content – a type of omega-3 fatty acids. ALA from walnut consumption has been shown to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Avocados

The combination of healthy fats and magnesium are a powerhouse duo for brain function and avocados are abundant in both. 

Coconut oil

This amazing food contains the best possible fat for brain health: medium-chain triglycerides, or MCT’s .Taking MCT oil has been found to increase brain energy by 8 to 9%. MCTs can delay brain aging by promoting the repair of brain cell damage

Functional mushrooms

Lion’s mane mushrooms are also a top choice due to their powerful nerve growth factors that help to regenerate and protect brain tissue. 

Turmeric

This bright yellow spice is abundant in curcumin, the active compound that has been connected to improved brain health due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Not only is curcumin able to enhance memory, it can also boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor that facilitates the growth of new brain cells.

Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that fight against inflammation and oxidative stress. The antioxidants in blueberries have been shown to protect your brain against neurodegenerative diseases by increasing communication between brain cells.

Green tea

Yet another reason to love green tea, this beverage is high in antioxidants as well as L-theanine, an amino acid that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase neurotransmitter activity.