Whether you’ve been up all night studying for an exam or you’re at a point in life where aging has begun, it’s no fun feeling like you’re not alert enough to get through everyday tasks. Did you know there are certain foods that can help boost your brain? With just a little meal planning, these foods will help keep your mind sharp:
- Eat avocado! Avocados contain mono and polyunsaturated fats. According to the American Heart Association, mono and polyunsaturated fats—when consumed in moderation and eaten in place of saturated or trans fats—can help reduce blood cholesterol levels and decrease risk for heart disease. When your blood cholesterol levels are normal blood flow is enhanced, thus keeping your brain cells healthy and fired up.
- Eat blueberries! Blueberries are chock-full of antioxidants, and antioxidants are essential to optimizing health by helping to fight the free radicals that can damage cellular structures as well as DNA. Research suggests that blueberries can improve memory and may slow down the onset of some problems associated with aging.
- Eat breakfast! We’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t forget to eat breakfast.” There’s a reason for that. Studies have shown that the right breakfast foods—like high-fiber whole grains, dairy and fruits—may help attention and short-term memory.
- Eat fish! Fish that are high in omega 3 fatty acids offer great health benefits, including enhancing memory and reducing chances of dementia and stroke.
These are a just a few brain foods that can help keep you on your toes so make sure to put them on your grocery list!