Did you know that what you eat can affect your cognitive functioning? Consuming processed, sugary foods made with ingredients that aren’t good for you or that contain preservatives and dyes can impair how you think and feel. Take a look at these superfoods that are great for your body and brain and add some to your diet.
Nuts
- Cashews – Cashews are full of antioxidants which help with your memory.
- Raw Almonds – These are the only nuts to contain a large amount of vitamin E, which has been shown to be promising in reducing cognitive decline.
- Walnuts – These nuts are full of omega‑3 fatty acids, an important component in maintaining cognitive function and they even look like a brain!
Fruits and Vegetables
- Apples – Apples are full of antioxidants and fibre. Fibre also helps us to feel fuller, meaning we snack less often.
- Avocados – Avocados are another food item that is rich in omega‑3 fatty acids.
- Blueberries – Blueberries contain antioxidants and anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are what gives blueberries their colour and may help prevent diabetes.
- Kale, Spinach, and other Dark, Leafy Greens – These leafy vegetables have a lot of iron and phytonutrients, which may help to prevent diseases and keep your body functioning well.
- Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes contain a ton of fibre, phytonutrients and vitamin A.
Beverages
- Water – water is essential to hydrate the brain and supports the function of the corpus callosum that connects the left and right brain, integrating motor, sensory, and cognitive performances.
- Green Tea – This tea variety contains many antioxidants, L‑theanine which promotes relaxation and focus, and epigallocatechin gallate, a compound that boosts your metabolism.
Oils, Herbs and Spices
- Cinnamon – While spices contain many antioxidants, cinnamon contains the most.
- Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is mainly made up of medium-chain fatty acids and helps manage your weight and improve your metabolism.
- Olive Oil – This oil variety is high in antioxidants, monounsaturated fats and improves your heart health by offering protection against heart disease.
- Oregano – Similar to spices, herbs are also full of antioxidants.
Meat and Eggs
- Eggs – Eggs can help with weight management and are a great source of protein.
- Salmon – Salmon is a very healthy fish full of omega-3s.
- Skinless Chicken or Turkey – These meats are excellent lean proteins which help with weight management.
Additional Items
- Dark Chocolate – Not to be confused with milk chocolate, dark chocolate contains high levels of antioxidants, and the darker, the better. It also contains caffeine.
- Shirataki Noodles – An excellent alternative to traditional noodles, they are made from the roots of yam plants. They contain a high level of fibre and are also low in calories.
Living healthy and eating well help not only your body but your brain as well. A holistic nutrition school can teach you what foods are going to help and what you should be eating. The courses offered by the Edison Institute of Nutrition will help you learn the beneficial nutrients that you should be eating to improve your health. Our classes are also online!
We are internationally recognized and offer our online courses around the world. If you’d like to learn more about our programs, call us today at . You may also contact us online.
Also Read: New Principles of Food Combining
