Remember childhood days when mothers used to soak a handful of almonds for you to consume them the next morning? Nostalgic! Isn’t it? Also, it does throw light on the importance of nurturing our brain that has been apparent for decades. Interestingly, unknowingly or knowingly we still eat foods that help us boost memory and the brain, but with irregular intakes. This is because of the hustle of the fast-paced life where we tend to overlook the brain’s health.
Sounds all preachy right? Don’t worry we’re not here with our version of gyaan for you! But just tell us honestly, do you keep keys somewhere and keep hunting for it all day long. Or do you forget your phone in some corner or bag and then tell someone to buzz it so that you can find it? Can we hear you say this in your head “that’s me” with a hush outside? We ain’t judging you and are only going to help you list down all those foods which will do the needful brain care. Here you go…
Dark Chocolate
For all chocolate lovers out there, you can eat this lovely ingredient without a guilt trip. But, make sure you’re consuming only dark chocolate as it is the one that possesses all health benefits, and not its counterparts. The cacao in dark chocolate possesses flavonoids which is a kind of antioxidant. Not just this, it also preserves the brainpower reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s. Can’t wish for more in life, right?
Egg
What if we tell you that the most easily available food item is super nutritious for your brain? Yes! Eggs are the ultimate source for boosting brain health. They are rich in Vitamins B1, B3, folic acid and choline, which strengthens memory. It helps in preventing brain shrinkage and delays cognitive decline too.
Fish
Fish is the richest source of omega 3 fatty acids, fuelling the brain with DHA and EPA. The ones that are richest in this essential nutrient are the oily fishes that include Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Herring and Tuna. These lower the risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s and cognitive impairment.
Tomato
This red wonder is one of the most common ingredients in a kitchen, yet full of power-packed nutrients for the brain. It holds a strong grip of antioxidants and lycopene. These shield the brain from free radical damage caused to the cells. The list of pros doesn’t end here as it contains a nutrient, carotenoid, that makes cognition and memory better for the long haul.
Broccoli
Broccoli possesses imperative nutrients that support brain-boosting processes. This includes Vitamin K and choline, in which the former helps in scaling up the cognitive abilities, whereas, the latter enhances memory.
Nuts
Nuts are bestowed with nutrients that help combat diseases like Alzheimer’s. Also, their regular intake helps cognitive decline reduction. This is naturally possible owing to the high concentration of Vitamin E in especially almonds and hazelnuts. So, if you want to be sharper and wiser, do eat nuts regularly.
Spinach
Remember Popeye the Sailor owing his strength to these lovely greens? Well, it’s true! Not just cartoons, but, in reality too, spinach is an excellent quick fix to the overall brain enriching aspects. It nurtures memory, enhances focus, slows down cognitive decline and prevents inflammation caused to the brain functioning.
Berries
These superstar fruits surely catch maximum glances due to their extraordinary beauty and shades. However, if we move beyond looks, these have many more strong points. These have positive effects on the brain along with memory loss prevention. All this is bundled in strawberries, mulberries, blueberries and blackberries because of the presence of anthocyanins in them.
Olive Oil
This is a star performer when it comes to the brain’s wellbeing in totality. This stands true as olive oil has Vitamin E, K and natural antioxidants namely polyphenols. These super important elements ensure to reduce the risk of depression. Furthermore, it increases brain-boosting chemicals, wards off degenerative diseases and decreases mental decline while we age.
Walnut
The fact that this particular nut looks like a brain should be a reason enough for you to include it in your diet! High on omega 3 fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, these nuts are apt to fight against diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is the most celebrated face of Indian cuisine. He is Chef extraordinaire, runs a successful TV Channel FoodFood, hosted Khana Khazana cookery show on television for more than 17 years, author of 150+ best selling cookbooks, restaurateur and winner of several culinary awards. He is living his dream of making Indian cuisine the number one in the world and empowering women through power of cooking to become self sufficient. His recipe portal www.sanjeevkapoor.com is a complete cookery manual with a compendium of more than 10,000 tried & tested recipes, videos, articles, tips & trivia and a wealth of information on the art and craft of cooking in both English and Hindi.