We’ve already talked about how food can play a role in your mental health, but did you also know that it can impact your mental acuity? What you eat has an impact on the way your brain works. Getting plenty of the right nutrients can help you think more clearly and have an easier time remembering things. On the flip side, eating too much junk can make it harder for your brain to function.
If you’re wondering about the best foods for brain health, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few brain-boosting foods and drinks to add more of into your life.
Fish
Fish is a great source of protein, and we have an abundance of locally caught, ultra-fresh fish right here in Ventura!
When you’re looking for the best foods for brain health, you specifically want fish with a high oil/fat content. That means the fish will have lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which can do a lot for your body and your brain. Omega-3s play a big role in brain health throughout your life, helping your brain to develop as a child and fighting mental decline as you get older. Your body also uses omega-3s to build brain cells.
Some fish with lots of omega-3s include salmon, trout, sardines, tuna, herring, mackerel, cod, and pollack.
Walnuts
If you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry. There are plenty of plant-based sources of omega-3s. Walnuts are a prime example, helping to keep your brain healthy through the years. Some studies suggest that walnuts can help to delay the cognitive decline that comes with age.
Walnuts aren’t your only option when it comes to nuts that rank high on the list of the best foods for brain health. Most nuts contain omega-3s, as do certain seeds, like chia seeds. So if you’re looking for a brain boosting snack, consider grabbing a handful of nuts. They’ll keep you full a lot longer than potato chips, too.
Berries
Berries contain antioxidants, which are basically little warriors that go to work in your body to fight oxidative stress in your cells. That includes your brain cells. And since oxidative stress can speed your brain’s aging processes, berries are a great way to keep your memory sharp and your brain working its best. Plus, berries can help to reduce inflammation in your brain, improve brain cell communication, and even help you form new connections (i.e., neuroplasticity), enabling you to learn new things more easily and remember more.
Tea and coffee
You’ve probably felt the immediate mental effects of your morning beverage. It turns out, the caffeine in coffee and tea does more than give your brain a quick but fleeting pick-me-up. Studies have shown that regular caffeine intake can improve your mental performance now and help your brain stay sharper through the years.
Foods to avoid for brain health
Since the best foods for brain health help you think more clearly and remember more through the years, you can probably guess that the worst foods do the opposite. To keep your brain working its best, steer clear of excess sugar and alcohol, trans fats, and artificial sweeteners. Basically, try to eat a diet of whole or minimally processed foods to support your brain.
The human brain is an amazing organ and it has a ton of control over the way we feel. If you ever wish you could better understand your brain or you want support for unwelcome brain activities, like symptoms of depression or anxiety, our team of therapists is here. Contact the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center whenever you’re ready to talk.
