3 Foods That Improve Brain Health

The old adage says, “You are what you eat.” This has been supported over and over again by research: If you eat healthy foods, you become healthier . The research also shows that this includes your brain health. So, without further ado, here are three foods to consume that will benefit your mind:

Green, Leafy Vegetables

Want to slow cognitive decline? Kale, spinach, collards, chard, and bok choy are examples of green, leafy vegetables that may do just that. It’s the vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene in these foods that contribute to the brain benefits . In general, darker greens yield more nutrients than their lighter counterparts.

It’s easy to bump up your consumption of leafy greens; they can be added to many of your existing dishes without altering the taste significantly. For example, adding extra leafy greens to your frittata, smoothie, burrito, or pizza will generally maintain the taste profile while boosting nutrition. Get creative and enjoy a fresh spin on your favorite meals.

Berries

Eating berries to care for your mind? To date, this might just be the easiest healthy habit to adopt! Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cranberries have all shown positive impacts on brain aging. The antioxidant boosting and inflammation-reducing properties of berries are two of the contributors to these effects. Increase your intake by adding berries to oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, or a sweet salad. We can all agree that these are also great standalone snacks!

Walnuts

Walnuts contain a high amount of an important Omega-3 fatty acid called DHA. Consumption of DHA has been linked to brain health in humans from infancy, onward. According to BrainHQ , “DHA has been shown to protect brain health in newborns, improve cognitive performance in adults, and prevent or ameliorate age-related cognitive decline.” Add these superfoods into your homemade hummus, sprinkle them on a salad, or even mix them into desserts.

It sounds like a no-brainer—add these three foods to your grocery cart the next time you’re at your favorite local farmers market around Signal Hill! By consuming these items, you’ll be feeding your mind the nutrients it needs to remember a whole lot more for years to come!