Over the course of the spring and summer we’ve shared numerous supplements, vitamins, minerals and drinks that can boost your brain energy and increase your mental horsepower.
Did you know there are also several whole foods you can consume to effectively keep your brain young?
Each of the foods on our list is readily available, delicious and perfect for the summer. Also, they avoid several traits that “brain draining” foods have, namely, they’re not processed, they have no added sugars, they’re low in trans fats and low in refined carbohydrates.
Without further adieu, these are our top four foods to lower brain aging:
- Blueberries
Blueberries are the perfect summer snack. They’re small. They’re sweet. They’re delicious and can be eaten by the handful or thrown on top of a salad, yogurt or cereal.
Aside from their refreshing taste, blueberries are also jam packed with flavonoids. Flavonoids are the potent compounds from plants that are responsible for their strong antioxidant properties. In particular, blueberries are off the charts with the amount of the flavonoid anthocyanin that they carry.
Memory Aid:
Over time, the consumption of blueberries may help stave off cognitive decline. They are also known for the potential improvement of short term memory.
- Fatty Fish
Sardines. Salmon. Trout. Tuna. These are some of the most popular fatty fish available in your grocery store or fish market. And you’d be wise to stock up. Each of these fish species contains high doses of the all-important omega-3 fatty acids.
Brain Builder:
Omega-3s are critical to overall brain health. They play a part in everything from focus and memory improvement to fighting cognitive decline and helping regulate your mood.
- Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is decadent and a direct hit when it comes to a food that is both sweet and brain supporting. You can add dark chocolate chips to your favorite summer dessert recipes, you can toss them in with a trail mix and you can even splurge and snack on a handful of dark chocolate chips for an afternoon memory boost.
The Power of Flavonoids:
Just like blueberries, dark chocolate is loaded with flavonoids, which are a proven brain helper and may help improve your mood.
- Coffee
Black coffee is one of the most potent brain enhancing foods available. Since it’s summer, you may prefer to drink it iced, but as long as you keep it black and avoid loading it up with sugars or dairy products, the simple black liquid offers a host of benefits for your brain.
Mind Elixir:
Black coffee on its own contains a host of antioxidants that can fight inflammation. And when you add in the caffeine, a plain cup of coffee becomes an Alzheimer’s fighting, mood enhancing, anti-brain aging powerhouse.
