9 Powerful Foods to Increase Brainpower Naturally

We grew up studying how the brain controls our entire body. Without one, we won’t be able to exist or function. Then why do we often forget to take care of it? What you eat in your day-to-day routine can significantly impact your brainpower.

The brain needs its own set of nutrients to run smoothly. These nutrients can be found in many of the foods around us, as long as we remember to add them to our diet. This curated list of foods will boost your memory and concentration and reduce brain fog!

1. Blueberries

For something so small, blueberries carry a lot of antioxidants. Anthocyanins, in particular, are compounds that are in charge of protecting your brain cells from damage and improving the connections between them. 

Eating blueberries regularly can improve memory and focus for longer periods. Half a cup of blueberries every day is all you need to start seeing results. Fortunately, blueberries are almost effortless to include in your diet. Toss a few in your everyday cereal or smoothie and see how delicious they make every breakfast. 

2. Fatty Fish For Brainpower

Fish are understandably so highly regarded for their nutritional value. They are best known as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which make up almost 60% of the brain’s fat. Additionally, omega-3s are crucial components of cell membranes, furthering the notion that we need lots of them!

Those who regularly consume fish also have more gray matter within the brain. Gray matter is directly responsible for memory, emotions, and quick decision-making. For those starting out, it’s better to start with fish twice a week to add to your brainpower.

3. Dark Chocolate

People with a sweet tooth will be delighted to know how healthy dark chocolate can be for the brain! Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is considered a top-tier brain food due to its high flavanol content.

Dark chocolate consists of caffeine, flavonoids, and antioxidants. These combined boost your brainpower by increasing blood flow to the brain. While there is definitely evidence that supports dark chocolate improving memory, we don’t recommend going overboard. It’s best to stick to a bar or two a week.

4. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are one of the best options for snacking, especially for your brain. Thesare filled with Vitamin E, healthy fats, and tons of protein. All of which are crucial for protecting your brain cells and stabilizing energy throughout the day.

While all nuts and seeds are beneficial, walnuts are exceptional. They’re even shaped like tiny brains!. Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid known for improving cognitive function. Keeping a handful of these with you at all times will considerably improve brainpower. 

5. Leafy Greens

It should come as no surprise that vegetables are really important for you. Our brains thrive on leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli. They improve concentration via a healthy dose of Vitamin K and antioxidants. 

Eating leafy greens raw might not be everyone’s cup of tea. You can try accessible recipes to see what you respond to best. Leafy greens are the easiest to use in green smoothies since they require little energy and time to make. Having one of these smoothies every day is enough to significantly improve mental performance.

6. Eggs and Brainpower

Eggs are nature’s multivitamin for your mind and body. It’s no wonder that they make the best breakfast. Eggs are packed with acetylcholine. This nutrient is a brain chemical that improves memory and learning. If you’re a student, you should consume eggs daily to keep your brain in tip-top shape. 

Eggs aren’t just a great source of protein; they also contain Vitamin B. This helps regulate your mood and reduce overall mental fatigue. Adding eggs to your breakfast not only considerably improves brainpower but also helps protect against eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts.

7. Avocados

Avocados are more than just a trendy fruit. This creamy delight is rich in several fats known for improving blood flow to your brain. And we all know steady blood flow to the brain is crucial for getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs. 

Spread some avocado on a toast and see how much clearer your thinking gets. Whether you have it as a smoothie or as is, avocado boosts your brainpower. 

8. Coffee and Green Tea

Ever notice how much better you feel after morning coffee or tea? It’s not just a coincidence. Coffee and green tea actually help your brain work better through caffeine, which blocks adenosine, a chemical that makes you lethargic. 

While both coffee and green tea add to brainpower, they aren’t exactly equal. Green tea has a secret weapon up its sleeve that coffee doesn’t. It has amino acids that work with caffeine to give you calmer, focused energy without any hyperness. That said, we don’t recommend going overboard with either. One or two cups a day is ideal.

9. Turmeric

The spices you use in your day-to-day cooking also impact the state of your brain. Turmeric, known as the golden spice, is commonly added to many south-asian dishes, and it’s easy to see why. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful compound that improves brainpower.

Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory and mood-regulating properties. It can even grow new brain cells and help prevent memory diseases. Try adding turmeric to your dishes through curries, lattes, or even smoothies to reap the many benefits it provides.

Final Thoughts

Adding all of these foods to your diet, if you aren’t consuming them already, isn’t recommended. While beneficial in theory, making such a significant lifestyle change rarely lasts. Before you know it, you’ll be back to munching on midnight snacks, you know you shouldn’t be eating.

Start small by picking one or two foods that you already like the taste of and add them to your diet. We recommend starting with eggs, nuts, and green tea for their accessibility. Even minor adjustments like these to your diet are enough to lead a lifestyle that promotes high brainpower.

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