Food is one of the widely studied topics when it comes to health. People have experimented with different foods since ages.

Eating habits of the people vary greatly from place to place based on culture, climate, religion, choice and availability of that food.

Do you often get confused about the right type of food for ourselves and our family? We often come across some of the new terms like –“ brain foods,” which refers to the foods that help in brain growth and proper functioning.

Well, let’s dig deep into this concept of brain foods with karetrip.

What are Brain Foods?

We all know that Brain is the boss of our body. It needs several foods to work efficiently. Just like a vehicle, our brain needs fuel to function in the form of food. Experts say that the best foods that help in brain functioning are the ones that keep your heart and body fit.

Let’s learn some of the brain nutrients are:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B12
• Substances that flush out free radicals (Antioxidants)
• Docosahexaenoic acid - DHA

Note: Our body cannot produce DHA on its own. So, we are entirely dependent upon the dietary source of DHA, which is obtained from Omega 3 fatty acids.

Foods that are laden with these nutrients are fatty fish, dark chocolates, walnuts, green tea, coffee, turmeric, eggs and green leafy vegetables. Let’s see how our brain gets the nutrients from the brain foods:

1. Fatty fish

Fatty fish is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acid, one of the vital ingredients of grey matter of the brain. Some of the fatty fish are:

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Trout
• Tuna
• Herring

About 30% of the brain is made of omega-3 fatty acid. It helps the brain in build nerve cells and improve memory and learning ability. Omega 3 fatty acid helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other mental conditions like depression.

2. Dark chocolates

One of the brain foods that contains flavonoids and antioxidants. Dark chocolates not only help in enhancing memory but also elevates the mood.

Research proves that dark chocolate improves gut health and helps in weight loss. It is one of the superfoods that does magic to your body.

Well, the brain foods are the ones which improves memory, increases focus, relieves anxiety and prevents degenerative diseases like Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s diseases.

3. Walnuts

The nut with the shape of the brain indicates its hidden powers to improve the memory power. Walnuts are rich in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Researchers have found that walnuts also help maintain heart health by preventing arteries from clogging.

4. Coffee

A cup of freshly brewed coffee boosts your energy and keeps you going for the day. Coffee contains caffeine and antioxidants which helps in brain functioning. Some of the usefulness of coffee are:

• Increased alertness
• Improved mood
• Sharpened concentration

Coffee helps in maintaining heart and brain health. It is found that those who consume 2-3 cups of coffee a day have the optimum heart health. Coffee is the brain food that prevents from Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s disease. It helps by solidifying memories and improving the concentration power of the brain.

Note: Restrain from taking coffee near your bedtime. It interrupts your sleep cycle.

5. Turmeric

One of the oldest ingredients of India. It has innumerable benefits. One of which boosts brain health. Turmeric is a traditionally used super spice that works wonders in building immunity. The curcumin present in turmeric has these effects:

• Boosts memory
• Fights depression
• New brain cells development

6. Eggs

A food that is packed with proteins and minerals like vitamins B6, vitamin B12, folate, and choline. Eating an egg on a daily basis keeps your brain healthy and your heart happy.

If you refuse to consume animal fat you can opt for flaxseeds, avocados, and walnuts as an alternative brain food.

7. Green tea

A beverage that is filled with antioxidants and essential amino acids. A cup of green tea will keep you relaxed and improve your brain performance. Yes, it is found that green tea is an efficient brain food that prevents memory loss due to old age.

8. Green leafy vegetables and fruits

Nothing beats the beneficial effects of fresh veggies. It is filled with antioxidants and vitamin C which helps in detoxification of blood. This helps to refresh your brain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that fights any infection in your body to improve your overall health.

Not to forget, Broccoli, avocado and pumpkin seeds have shown significant ability to prevent any neurological problems and these play a huge role in elevating the mood on a dull day.

Why Do We Need Brain Food?

We need brain foods to support the functioning of the brain. While the brain derives its energy from food, there are certain superfoods that are necessary for improving the efficiency and cognitive ability of the brain.

Some of the critical functions of these brain foods in deriving nutrition are:

• Improve focus
• Promote memory power
• Increases concentration
• Fights depression
• Reduces anxiety
• Relieves stress
• Reduces forgetfulness
• Prevents Alzheimer’s disease
• Prevents Parkinson's disease

Experts say, following a Mediterranean diet is what gives you the desired nutrition. Eat lots of fresh green vegetables, nuts, olives, eggs and cooked fish to keep our body healthy and our brain young.

Such foods also prevent any neurological diseases. The Mediterranean diet is more than simply a balanced diet but a lifestyle to enjoy life with your family.

Despite the fact that our brain weighs about 1.5kg, it demands roughly 25% of the body’s energy requirements. So, we need every second's supply of energy, which is only provided by the food we consume.

Brain food helps us in several ways by improving the cognitive abilities and preventing degenerative changes of the brain. You can still survive without such foods, but brain foods are the extra spice that improves the overall taste.