Brain-boosting foods

The brain plays a vital role in our health. To keep our brains healthy, we should choose the following foods, according to British nutritionist Cassandra Barns, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

Seaweed is good for brain energy. Photo: Shutterstock

Salmon

Oily fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids called DHA. DHA is found in high concentrations in the gray matter of the brain, demonstrating that we need plenty of omega-3s for healthy brain function.

Swiss researchers say that a rich supply of DHA supports learning and memory, as well as IQ. Salmon is also rich in B vitamins, including B12, which are important for a healthy nervous system and brain cells. Meanwhile, it also has a high protein content, which provides the building blocks for neurotransmitters and other brain chemicals.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are one of the best natural sources of zinc – important for cognitive function that helps us think. They are also rich in magnesium, which helps nerve signals travel throughout the body.

Egg

Eggs are a great food for many reasons. The yolks are rich in choline, a vitamin-like substance essential for the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, including those in the brain. Choline can also be used to create the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for learning and memory. And eggs are also a good source of B vitamins and iron, which support the nervous system and cognitive function.

Seaweed

Seaweed is rich in minerals, especially iodine. Like magnesium, iodine plays an important role in the health of the nervous system.

According to TNO