Brain Foods That Help You Improve Concentration
Brain health and diet are intertwined. A healthy brain involves positives such as concentration and memory. It also helps prevent cognitive decline and diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Eating for brain health is about identifying good foods and incorporating them into your daily diet, along with brain boosting vitamins that support memory and concentration.
The following include some superfoods for brain health and concentration:
1. Fatty fish
These are fish found in colder waters. It is their exposure to the cold that makes them a healthy food. They include tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids are the reason for including fatty fish in a brain healthy diet. The acids protect the membranes surrounding brain cells. There is evidence of increased blood flow to the brain when consuming these fish. They are necessary for good brain health and avoiding declines that lead to dementia. Another benefit is lower levels of beta-amyloid. This is the protein which produces clumps in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
2. Coffee
It is the caffeine that promotes brain health. The substance improves the ability to stay alert and concentrate. It also provides some protection against the adverse effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Remember to regulate your use as too much caffeine can inhibit the body’s need for rest.
3. Blueberries
This food is full of antioxidants which do wonderful things for the human body. The brain is no exception. It needs to be replenished with a product that also contains vitamin C and potassium. Blueberries are great for memory, concentration, and in general good brain health. The substances that give this berry its color are flavonoids. They do more than make blueberries attractive. They can slow memory decline. Try to eat at least two servings per week.
4. Turmeric
Also known as curcumin, it is considered a treatment to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals with brain injuries are treated with turmeric. It contains antioxidants like other brain foods. The improvement of cognitive function is seen in people consuming curcumin. Turmeric is mostly grown in India. The part below the ground is for consumption and may be found in produce sections of grocery stores. It also is marketed as a supplement.
5. Broccoli
Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli contain vitamin K and folate among other ingredients. They are all what would be called brain food. Studies tend to substantiate the findings that broccoli will slow cognitive decline. That means better concentration, and less of a memory loss. A good substitute would be spinach or collards for anyone who doesn’t like broccoli.
6. Pumpkin seeds
This is another food full of antioxidants. Another element is these seeds is zinc which the body needs for proper nerve signaling. Those same fatty acids found in fatty fish also appear in pumpkin seeds. Eat a handful of seeds on several occasions during the week. This will keep the body’s zinc level up.
In addition to the above foods, these best brain supplements for adults should be added to the daily intake:
- Zinc and iodine
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
These add additional protection to keep the brain as healthy as possible. Do not focus on just one of the above foods. Eat a variety to ensure your brain is getting all the help it needs.