"Diet, exercise and sleep have the potential to alter our brain health and mental function. This raises the exciting possibility that changes in diet are a viable strategy for enhancing cognitive abilities, protecting the brain from damage and counteracting the effects of aging."
To get an understanding of what's going to affect our body's energy system, we compiled a list of brain foods from Psychology Today and other sources that will improve the way you think and work.
Berries have potent combinations of antioxidants that improve both memory and motor coordination.
Neuroscientist James A. Joseph says that the antioxidants in berries counteract oxidative stress and function as anti-inflammatory agents, which are "the evil twins of brain aging."
Berries eaten with oil-rich walnuts or avocados keep brain cell membranes "youthfully flexible."
Researcher Leigh Gibson found that "the brain works best with about 25 grams of glucose circulating in the blood stream — about the amount found in a banana."
Eggs contain a fat-like B vitamin called choline that enhances memory and reaction time.
Caffeine found in coffee improves memory and even "protects against eyelid spasm" (for those who are staring at computers all day). It's also rich with antioxidants and amino acids.
Dark chocolate contains antioxidant properties that "increase the production of endorphins while enhancing focus and concentration," whereas milk chocolate is good for quickening reaction time and improving verbal and visual memory.
Dark leafy greens are probably the best thing you could eat. They're loaded with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Iron, for example, helps bring more oxygen to the body (and brain), and improves cognitive control.
