Nov 18 2008

Foods, Vitamins & Herbs that Boost Your Brain Power

Category: Healthy Foods, Natural Health
Author: Dr. Group @ 3:38 pm
Brain Boosting Foods

It’s true! You really can eat your way to optimum brain power and continue to feed your brain at any age.

The right foods will help you use your brain to the max, and the more you use it, the more you’ll challenge your brain to grow new cells, create new connections, and improve your problem-solving and memory functions.

Before I tell you about the many great foods that will keep your brain performing at its peak, remember — eat organic foods that are fresh and as close to their natural state as possible. Also, drink plenty of pure, clean water, which is 85% of your brain’s weight.

Did you know that water can actually increase your alertness? When you’re feeling sluggish in the afternoon, instead of grabbing a caffeinated, carbonated drink, pour yourself a tall glass of purified water.

Finally, pick foods your great, great grandparents would have eaten, and stay away from so-called modern, highly processed foods that are filled with nasty chemicals. Many foods today are genetically modified. So, they are not as nutritious as organic, natural foods. And even worse, they can be dangerous to your health.

Foods that Boost Your Brain Power

Brain Boosting Foods

Research suggests that diets rich in berries reduce, or even reverse, declining brain function.

Blueberries, in particular, have been shown to have the ability to improve memory and keep your brain “young.” They can also help you improve your balance and coordination.

Berries are rich in antioxidants which protect your brain cells from oxidation and free radical damage. This means antioxidants may slow down brain aging and prevent disease, while promoting the growth of healthy brain cells. Berries are also some of the most colorful foods you can eat!

List of Healthiest Berries:
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Red Grapes
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Cranberries
Then there’s the South American Acai Berry which has more antioxidants than any other berry. Plus, it contains Omega Fatty Acids and is high in protein (I’ll tell you more about Omega Fatty Acids below).

Stick to bright colors when choosing other fruits and vegetables, too. Yellow, orange, and green vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in your body. Dark leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C.

Both vitamins are linked to improving your memory and reasoning powers and keeping your arteries functioning properly.

Foods High in Beta-Carotene & Vitamin C:
  • Mangos
  • Oranges
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Tomatoes
  • Cantaloupe
  • Rainbow chard
  • Green, Red & Yellow Peppers
Vegetables and fruits also contain natural sugars that keep you alert. Your brain needs natural sugars to function at its best.

Avocados are rich in good fat and vitamin E, while whole and sprouted grains are rich in fiber. Both are good for your circulatory system. And what’s good for your blood flow, is great for your brain.

The Importance of Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are also necessary for maximum brain power, as well as promoting normal brain growth and development. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that help:

  • Prevent strokes
  • Improve blood circulation
  • Lift mood and prevent depression

Studies show that eating foods that are high in Omega Fatty Acids can reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease, too. These fatty acids also help boost memory and your ability to learn new things!

Other sources of good Omega fatty Acids are marine plants, such as blue-green algae, and nut or seed oils.

All nuts, particularly walnuts, “feed your brain” because they keep your arteries clear and boost serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that controls sleep, depression, memory, and other neurological processes. Raw unprocessed Organic Olive oil, Coconut Oil and hempseed oil also contain brain healthy fats, fibers, and proteins. I recommend 1-2 tablespoons daily.

Foods loaded with folic acid prevent brain degeneration and keep your overall nervous system healthy. Some good ones are:
  • Okra
  • Spinach
  • Lentils
  • Collards
  • Asparagus
  • Black Beans
  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Black-Eyed Peas
  • Sunflower Seeds
Did you know that flaxseed, and real organic chocolate are brain food, too! They’re filled with vitamin E which keeps your brain healthy later in life. Real chocolate also releases dopamine, to enhance cognition and mood.

Be sure to eat chocolate that is minimally processed and retains the most pure cacao bean. That means either 100% organic cocoa powder or a dark chocolate bar with at least 75% cacao content. You’ll need to be careful of the chocolate you buy because some chocolate manufacturers use unhealthy and unethical practices.

Vitamins & Herbs that Boost Your Brain Power

These vitamins and minerals help your memory and reasoning powers while slowing down the signs of aging.
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Folic Acid
  • B Vitamins
  • Magnesium
Some researchers suggest that the herbs ginseng and gingko have a positive impact on your brain, keeping you alert and improving memory.

Did you know? Body cleansing can help boost your brain power, too. By eliminating the toxic chemicals and heavy metals that build up in your body from your environment and diet, you can rid your brain of dangerous free radicals that may contribute to disease and poor health.

Eating the proper foods enhances your brain functions. And, using your brain for reading and learning new skills, such as a musical instrument, a new language, or computer skills — even conquering crossword puzzles regularly will keep your brain quick and nimble.

Note: Processed foods are often too starchy, fatty, and sugary and will do more harm than good for your body and brain. You want raw, organic fruit and vegetables as often as possible. Live foods present your body with beneficial energy as well as their natural nutrients.

I also recommend getting a cellphone protector for your phone to reduce any harmful radiation leaking into your brain tissue.

Related Articles:

13 Responses to “Foods, Vitamins & Herbs that Boost Your Brain Power”

  1. increase brain power says:

    Along with rich brain foods, brain supplements like gingko biloba and ginseng can greatly enhance your brain.

    [Reply to this comment]

  2. Matt WI. says:

    The imformation provided here is excellent! I cant wait to re-visit the food store to get the correct food I should have been eating all along! :)

    [Reply to this comment]

  3. herbs health says:

    Thanks. This is a very good article, and add my reference about health. But the right size for us in the food-consuming healthy foods that have not been described in this article. May be you can add it?

    [Reply to this comment]

  4. sherry says:

    Thank you for this information. It was concise, clear, complete, and very helpful. I was looking for information on how to build the brain for an important test–and found good information for life.

    [Reply to this comment]

  5. Student says:

    I just wanted to say Thank you so much! Your site has given me a TON of information for my MLA paper I need to write. Thanks =]

    [Reply to this comment]

  6. vitamins herbs says:

    I feel my recall in this time have far decreased to be compared to when my age is more young. I distrust this matter is caused by my exasperation eat food which containing many MSG (monosodium glutamate). Suspicion of me it is possible that correctness, or wrong also. But, that make not much difference. All important things I want to say here is: don’t too much using MSG at your foods

    [Reply to this comment]

    Shnicka Please replied on May 17th, 2009:

    Speakie Englie much? By your post I will never eat anything with MSG again…because if eating MSG has done this to you…I can only imagine the impact it would have on my feeble mind…AT LAST I HAVE CONTROL OF YOUR TV SET!!!!

    [Reply to this comment]

  7. Rose says:

    thanks for the info.I needed it for a report!! You saved me a lot of typing!!!!

    [Reply to this comment]

    sherry replied on July 5th, 2009:

    This is ironic. The information here is to help the brain function well, but you are using it in an effort to use your brain less.

    [Reply to this comment]

  8. Emma Ogutu says:

    Thanks for the informative blog. I found out that while we emphasize on eating fruits, it is very imperative that people know what they want from fruits and vegetables so as to make the selection easier…..Considering the world is full of fruits and vegetables.

    I find an Avocado, banana, kiwi and orange smoothie very filling and nourishing in the morning. An average sized avocado has 4 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber in it. It also has over 1200 mg of Potassium and other minerals in it…..it is more wholesome than milk!!!

    Bananas are good source of potassium too. Kiwi has about the highest source of vitamin C and Oranges do the same besides fiber.

    By having this knowledge, I know what fruits to go for in a market which saves me money and time and gives me what my body needs right now….K, fiber and Vitamin C.
    Hope this can help someone

    [Reply to this comment]

  9. ya says:

    This comment is not specifically on this post. I liked your blog and went through your formidable profile. You can also think of advising people to go for yoga if you think it will help. Anyway, one post on yoga will be worth it in your so informative blog, even if you write against it!

    [Reply to this comment]

  10. Madeleine says:

    This herbs Guide is designed to reflect healthy patterns of dietary intake that are not only adequate but promote optimal health.

    [Reply to this comment]

  11. natureheal says:

    Eating natural food such fruits and vegetable while still young is more effective. The protection is very strong from the vitamins and minerals we get from these foods we are eating.

    [Reply to this comment]

Leave a Reply