Food can do a lot of wonderful things it can help give you energy, it can help comfort you when you’re not feeling well, and it can even be a great excuse for a social gathering. But food also does something else that not many people talk about: it powers up your brain.
Wild-caught salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fat for brain health. “Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and help with cell membrane communication,” says Ansari. These nutrients can act as antidepressants, improve memory, and prevent cognitive decline.
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Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and phytochemicals that fight off oxidative stress that could affect the brain as you age. “Blueberries have been shown to help with diseases that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia,” says Ansari.
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Like salmon, walnuts are another source of omega-3 fatty acids, and they are also full of other important vitamins and nutrients that help fight brain aging. “Walnuts have more antioxidants than any other nut,”
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This heart-healthy fruit not only tastes delicious, but it contains a variety of nutrients such as folate, monounsaturated fat, and potassium that all work to improve brain functioning. Avocados can help lower blood pressure, protect nerve cells in the brain, and improve areas in the brain related to planning and critical thinking.
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This cruciferous vegetable is high in choline, vitamin K, and folic acid, three nutrients that play a critical role in memory, cognition, and mood. Eating broccoli can help boost your focus, improve your episodic memory, and fight off negative emotions.
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