Four Foods That Give Your Brain a Boost

You've heard before that fish is brain food, I'm sure. Well, it's not the only one. There are many brain-healthy foods out there and you do yourself a good turn by eating them regularly.

Brain foods are those that are rich in proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidants. These kinds of nutrients feed and protect the brain, helping it to build new neural connections (which is good) and protecting it from free radical damage (which would be bad).

However, some foods give the brain even more benefit by helping to balance its chemistry.

Following are four of the best brain foods and why they are so good.

Dark chocolate: The antioxidants and flavonoids in chocolate have been linked to healthier arteries. That means better blood flow to your brain. Chocolate also boosts dopamine production. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and other antioxidants that protect the arteries and brain from free radical damage. Tomatoes also deliver a healthy dose of potassium, which can boost brain cell activity and help you feel more alert.

Wild Alaskan Salmon: Any cold-water, oily fish is good, but wild Alaskan salmon is the best. It delivers the most omega-3 fatty acids with very little mercury contamination. Salmon contains ALA, DHA, and EPA omega-3s. Getting a balance of all three is very good for your brain.

Nuts: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans—they are all rich in protein, healthy fats and fiber. The healthy fats and fiber help you maintain healthy arteries. Other nutrients in the nuts increase your serotonin production, another important neurotransmitter.

Eating these four foods on a regular basis gives your brain the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy cells and balanced chemistry… so dig in!

Stay well,
Danny Wallace