Are there any foods that can enhance brain function?

There are too many to mention but the most common food are nuts.

Top7 Foods for Your Brain

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a yellow spice often used in curry that contains the anti-inflammatory antioxidant curcumin. Curcumin is capable of crossing your blood-brain barrier, which is one reason why it holds promise as a neuroprotective agent in a wide range of neurological disorders.

Research has shown that curcumin may help inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brain of Alzheimer's patients, as well as break up existing plaques.3 Curcumin has even been shown to boost memory and stimulate the production of new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis.

Also remarkable, animal research suggests another bioactive compound in turmeric called aromatic-turmerone can increase neural stem cell growth in the brain by as much as80 percent at certain concentrations.4Neural stem cells differentiate into neurons and play an important role in self-repair.

The findings suggest aromatic-turmerone may help in the recovery of brain function in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and stroke (provided the effect also applies to humans).

A word to the wise… some curry powders may contain very little curcumin compared to straight turmeric powder, so choose the latter for the best health benefits.

2. Wild Alaskan Salmon

The omega-3 fats found in wild Alaskan salmon help fight inflammation throughout your body, including in your brain, and offer numerous protections to your brain cells.

For instance, a study in the journal Neurology found "older women with the highest levels of omega-3 fats… had better preservation of their brain as they aged than those with the lowest levels, which might mean they would maintain better brain function for an extra year or two."5

In separate research, when boys were given an omega-3 supplement, there were significant increases in the activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex part of the brain.6

This is an area of your brain that is associated with working memory. They also noticed changes in other parts of the brain, including the occipital cortex (the visual processing center) and the cerebellar cortex (which plays a role in motor control).

You can get omega-3 fats in therapeutic doses by taking a supplement like krill oil. But if you're looking for a food source, wild Alaskan salmon(along with sardines and anchovies) is among the best.

Many are concerned about radiation from Fukushima contaminating the salmon, but our primary source is Vital Choice and they regularly check for this radiation and never find it in their salmon.

3. Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are good sources of choline, a B vitamin known for its role in brain development.

Choline intake during pregnancy "super-charged" the brain activity of animals in utero, indicating that it may boost cognitive function, improve learning and memory, and even diminish age-related memory decline and the brain's vulnerability to toxins during childhood, as well as conferring protection later in life.7 Eggs and meat are other food sources of choline.

Broccoli offers additional benefits as well, including the anti-inflammatory flavonoid kaempferol and three glucosinolate phytonutrients that work together to support your body's detoxification processes.8

4. Walnuts

Walnuts are good sources of plant-based omega-3 fats, natural phytosterols, and antioxidants, and have been shown to reverse brain aging in older rats. DHA, in particular, is a type of omega-3 fat that's been found to boost brain function and even promote brain healing, although it's more plentiful in animal-based omega-3 sources, like krill and wild Alaskan salmon, as opposed to walnuts.

Walnuts contain a number of other neuroprotective compounds as well, including vitamin E, folate, melatonin, and antioxidants that lend even more brain benefits. Research shows walnut consumption may support brain health by increasing inferential reasoning in young adults,9 for instance.

Another study found that consuming high-antioxidant foods like walnuts "can decrease the enhanced vulnerability to oxidative stress that occurs in aging," "increase health span," and also "enhance cognitive and motor function in aging."10

5. Celery

Celery is a rich source of luteolin, a plant compound that may calm inflammation in your brain, which is a primary cause of neurodegeneration. Luteolin has also been linked with lower rates of age-related memory loss in mice, and older mice fed a luteolin-supplemented diet scored better on learning and memory tasks.11 In addition to celery, peppers and carrots are also good sources of luteolin.

6. Coconut Oil

The primary fuel your brain needs for energy is glucose. However, your brain is able to run on more than a single type of fuel, one being ketones (ketone bodies), or ketoacids. Ketones are what your body produces when it converts fat (as opposed to glucose) into energy.

The medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) found in coconut oil are GREAT source of ketone bodies, because coconut oil is about66 percent MCTs. Medium-chain triglycerides go directly to your liver, which naturally converts the oil into ketones. Your liver then immediately releases the ketones into your bloodstream where they are transported to your brain to be readily used as fuel. While your brain is quite happy running on glucose, there's evidence suggesting that ketone bodies may actually help restore and renew neurons and nerve function in your brain, even after damage has set in.

Therapeutic levels of MCTs have been studied at20 grams per day. According to research by Dr. Mary Newport, just over two tablespoons of coconut oil (about35 ml or seven level teaspoons) would supply you with the equivalent of20 grams of MCT, which is indicated as either a preventative measure against degenerative neurological diseases, or as a treatment for an already established case.12

7. Blueberries

The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in blueberries have been linked to improvements in learning, thinking and memory, along with reductions in neurodegenerative oxidative stress. They're also relatively low in fructose compared to other fruits, making them one of the healthier fruits available. Wild blueberries, which have high anthocyanin and antioxidant content, are known to guard against Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases.

Wild blueberries have even been shown to reduce some of the effects of a poor diet (such as high blood pressure systemic inflammation). In one recent animal study, wild blueberries reduced the pro-inflammatory effects of a poor diet as well as prevented high blood pressure, which would be beneficial for your brain health as well.1

Studies showed that Cognitive development from preschool and school age children can be obtained by taking food rich in iron,vitamin B12, zinc,iodine , carbohydrates,polysaccharides,protein,fat especially w3 fatty acids

 

Here are20 power foods that have been found to improve brain function and mental wellness in an array of different ways.  

#1 — “Oily” Fish

 

“Oily” fish like Salmon, Mackerel and Trout, These fish contain high levels of an Omega-3 fatty acid called DHA

 #2 — Tomatoes

 

Lycopene-rich tomatoes have been found to help individuals maintain optimal brain health  

 

#3 — Blueberries

 

Blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants and compounds called polyphenolics, have been found to improve short-term memory and concentration,  

 

 #4 — Strawberries

 

Like blueberries, strawberries contain polyphenolics and flavonoids, which have been found to cleanse the brain, eliminating the toxins that serve to inhibit an array of functions, including memory.

 

 #5 — Sage

 

Sage has also been found to improve the “interconnectivity” among the different regions of the brain, which serves to improve comprehension speed, concentration and problem-solving speed.  It also has anti-inflammatory properties and it’s high in Vitamin K (which is also known as a brain-friendly vitamin!)

 

 #6 — Broccoli

 

Broccoli is high in Vitamin K, which has been found to enhance brain function. Broccoli is a super food for the whole body. It is rich in calcium, vitamin C, B vitamins, beta-carotene, iron, fiber, and vitamin K. These nutrients protect against free radicals, keep blood flowing well, and remove heavy metals that can damage the brain.

 

#7 – Pumpkin Seeds

 

Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which serves to boost your memory, problem-solving skills, and mental speed. They also contain a substance called niacin, which serves to enhance GABA activity in the brain (while also reducing LDL cholesterol levels); this results in decreased anxiety.  They also contain lots of protein, antioxidants and essential minerals like copper, iron, magnesium and selenium.

 

#8 – Whole Grains

 

Whole grains such as wheat and oats contain choline, which enhances the body’s ability to produce acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that improves memory. Wheat germ is a rich vegetarian source of choline -- a nutrient that is involved in the body's production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that boosts memory.

 

#9 – Walnuts

 

Walnuts are another source of polyunsaturated fats and Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha linoleic acid or “ALA.” Multiple studies have found that just a handful of walnuts per day will improve memory function, cognitive abilities and concentration.

 

 #10 – Caffeine

 

Caffeine is a stimulant that’s most often found in coffee.

 

 #11 – Spinach

 

Spinach is high in lutein, an antioxidant that cleanses toxins from the brain and prevents age-related mental decline.  .

 

 #12 – Dark Chocolate

 

Dark chocolate contains caffeine. In addition, dark chocolate also contains antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids are particularly effective at increasing blood flow, which is a key element when it comes to brain power.  

 

 #13 – Water

 

Yes, drinking water can improve brain function! Dehydration has a significant impact on brain function, including memory, reasoning ability, attention span, decision-making abilities and concentration.  Keep your brain well-hydrated so it will work at an optimal level.

 

#14 – Avocado

 

Avocado is a popular super food that’s high in Omega3 fatty acids and Vitamin K (among more than20 other nutrients!), which promote better brain function

 

 #15 – Beets

 

Beets (and beet juice) contain lots of nitrates, which serve to increase blood flow to the brain. More blood flow means more brain power, including better memory, sharper reasoning skills, improved attention span and better concentration

 

#16 – Coconut Oil – Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides that the body uses for energy, leaving glucose for the brain

 

#17- Olive oil - is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to actually slow brain aging

 

#18 – Rosemary – Rosemary has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function with its scent alone. It improves blood flow to the brain, improves mood, and acts as an antioxidant. Rosemary is also a powerful detoxifier, fights cancer, boosts energy, and combats aging of the skin

 

#19 - Pomegranate juice. Pomegranate juice offers potent antioxidant benefits, which protect the brain from the damage of free radicals.

 

#20 - Beans and Legumes – Beans and legumes are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates. These complex carbohydrates are also mixed with fiber that slows absorption, giving us a steady supply of glucose for the brain without the risks of sugar spikes associated with many other sugar sources. Beans and legumes are also rich in folate—a B vitamin critical to brain function—and essential omega fatty acids.

 

• fish
•  nuts
•  water
•   dark chocolate
•   avocado

Walnut omega 369 olive oil nuts almond All antioxidant food sources / red tea / black tea /Green tea B complex food sources Coffee

Good nutrition enhance all the body function. for that reason we have to eat balance diet that contains all five food groups:meat,carbohydrates,fruit,vegetable and milk. but of course food rich in omega3 ,in zinc, in iodine,iron magnesium ,and calcium can help nourish the brain like nuts,fish,salmon,sardine ,meat,eggs

 Yes, Foods that content iron, zinc vitamin as well as food that content K  and E vitamin are the best food for brain enhancement.  Food that rich in iron are rice, whole grains, and zinc like squash seed,. K vitamin found in broccoli and E in walnuts. Most people eats these kind of food are proven with high level of cognitive function  we called it witty person.

Hi Lamya, Well, there are many . Can you believe that the Thyme ( Zaatar in Arabic ) is the cheapest and best of foods that can enhance brain function ! You may find3 kinds in the market: Jordanian( sour ). Syrian ( Alepo ). Lebanese ( the best ). Don't forget to mix it with Southern Lebanese olive oil or extra virgin Italian olive oil. You can also bye Thyme Croissants . bon appétit !!!

Eggs then meat protein are the important

Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, fish such as salmon, tuna, green tea, ginger, turmeric, whole grains, fruits like apples, bananas, avocados, strawberries, figs, grapes, pomegranates, berries, dates, vegetables like spinach, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, tomatoes, carrots, olive oil, honey, dark chocolate, eggs, Flax seeds, chickpeas, lentils, liver, water, green leaves, caffeine, coffee and tea.