If you are suffering from brain fog and reduce mental agility, perhaps it is time to attack the problem from a nutritional angle. Here are some yummy foods to help improve brain health.

Rosemary

This aromatic kitchen herb has a whole host of health benefitsmany of which are excellent for the brain. This is because rosemary contains carnosic acid which protects the brain from damaging free radicals that result in neurodegeneration, Alzheimer’s, strokes and the normal effects of aging. Because rosemary is an antioxidant food, it can also help prevent our eyesight from deteriorating.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a buzz word in the health in the health industry and for good reason. It can benefit our bodies in a whole host of different ways. It is an anti-inflammatory which is great, destroys destructive bacteria in the gut (promoting overall body health), and it helps with the type of memory loss associated with aging.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

If olives are healthy brain food, then olive oil is liquid gold. When eaten at room temperature or cold, olive oil can improve learning and memory while reducing the effects of age and disease-related memory loss. Furthermore, olive oil can reduce the production of harmful proteins which induce Alzheimer’s.

Eggs

Eggs are a complete protein with all the nutrition needed to feed a growing baby chick. That makes them, essentially, vitamin and mineral health bombs. Egg yolks, in particular, are extra beneficial; they contain choline which aids in fetal brain development in pregnant women. They are also high in vitamins B6, and B12 and folate, which are vital to brain health.

Tomatoes

Nothing quite beats a fresh homegrown tomato unless it is a fresh tomato drizzled in olive oil and sea salt on a hot summer’s day. Yummy. Tomatoes are antioxidants which help reduce the number of damaging free radicals roaming around. These radicals can damage brain cells and lead the way to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease if left unchecked.

Blueberries

And other dark skinned fruits and berries are high in vitamin C and a special protective compound called anthocyanins. These components work together to boost the immune system and rid the body of harmful bacteria, viruses and free radicals. Additionally, blueberries, black currants and other berries can improve short term memory loss.

Oily Fish

Such as salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout, and kippers are high in Omega 3 fatty acids and essential oils such as EPA and DHA which are brain boosters. Insufficient amounts of these essential oils have been linked to dementia, Alzheimer’s, memory loss and higher stress levels with a reduction in the production of serotonin.

Pumpkin Seeds

And other seeds like flaxseed, sunflower seeds and nuts such as walnuts, almonds and peanuts are full of vitamins and minerals that boost and benefit our bodies in numerous ways. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc which is vital for memory function and thinking skills as well as magnesium, B vitamins and tryptophan which is a precursor to the happy hormone of serotonin. Almonds contain high levels of vitamin E (three times that of peanuts), and peanuts contain an antioxidant flavonoid known as resveratrol which is found in red wine, mulberries and rhubarb. This antioxidant can help protect against cancer, inflammation and neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Dark Chocolate

Minimally processed 75% cacao chocolate bars can give you that chocolate fix you are looking for as well as some amazing health benefitsand if anyone questions why you’re eating tons of chocolate, just tell them it is for your health. Chocolate is antioxidant and can improve neuron and blood vessels growth in parts of the brain where learning and memory are stored. Eating chocolate while studying can improve your chances of remembering what you studied.

Avocados

Avocados are a healthy source of monounsaturated fats which can help reduce blood pressure which is linked to cognitive decline. Additionally, they contain high levels of folate and vitamin K which help reduce blood clots in the brain and improve memory and concentration.

Broccoli

While not the most popular of vegetables around, broccoli is a super health food. Loaded with folic acid, vitamin K and choline, broccoli helps keep your memory sharp. Furthermore, broccoli is high in vitamin C which is not stored in the body and needs to be replenished daily. Just one cup of broccoli provides you with 150% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.

Celery

Celery is a low-calorie food dense with nutrients, minerals and vitamins essential to our body’s overall health. It is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant with high levels of vitamin C and water content. You can even eat the leaves and the seeds in a variety of ways. Smear some almond or peanut butter on a few sticks of celery, and you have a wonderfully healthy snack.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are loaded with vitamins and minerals that benefit our whole body, and there are plenty to choose from to keep dinner interesting. Swiss Chard, kale, spinach, and romaine lettuce can all be prepared separately or together in multiple ways. These greens contain vitamin K, vitamin A and folate, and can slow mental deterioration.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are a super food with high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants battle damaging free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative damage to the brain. Since pomegranates are only available for a limited time during the year, opt for juice in the off-season but be sure to dilute it a bit with some water (or wine) as it is very strong and sweet.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an ancient healing spice that is making a huge come-back in the health industry today. Turmeric is a natural and very powerful anti-inflammatory which is hugely beneficial to those suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis. It can also improve oxygen intake levels in the brain which improve alertness and our ability to process information.