If You’re Fighting Brain Fog, Eat These 5 Brain Superfoods

Let’s face it. Most of us could use a little help in the brain-boosting department. As we age, mental fog and forgetfulness become increasingly more common. But, why is that?

When the body suffers from assaults -- like poor dietary habits or exposure to environmental toxins--the brain goes into ​a more inflammatory state.​ This heightened inflammatory state, over time, can damage neurons and impact cognitive functioning and memory.

Thankfully, a lot of the nuisances that we thought are part of the ‘normal’ aging process can actually be corrected or prevented. With certain lifestyle changes -- like exercising, drinking lots of water, and eating brain food -- our brains ​can​ bounce back.

Just as there are foods helpful for your overall health, there are foods that are especially helpful for your brain. To maintain a better brain, make sure your meals include plenty of:

Eggs

Organic, pasture-raised eggs are rich in choline and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy brain. Symptoms of choline deficiency include fatigue, sleeplessness, and memory problems. For a double dose of brain-enhancing action, add a dash of turmeric to your scrambled eggs or mix it in with your egg salad.

Fish & Seafood

There's ample research to confirm that essential fatty acids, like omega-3s, are very beneficial for your health. In fact, if your DHA (a form of omega-3) is low, ​the brain is more susceptible​ to degeneration. Since our bodies are unable to produce these fatty acids on their own, we need to make sure that foods rich in omega-3s are a part of our diets. Cold-water fatty fish like salmon, trout, sardines, and anchovies are all excellent options. Aim for ​a 3-ounce serving of fatty fish twice a week.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is high in flavonoids, antioxidants that offer a number of neuro protective properties, ​decrease rates​ of cognitive decline, and potentially ​slow the progression​ of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, chocolate can provide significant amounts of arginine, an amino acid that's required in the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps regulate blood flow, inflammation, and blood pressure. Unlike the saturated fats found in meat and dairy products, the saturated fats found in chocolate do not elevate cholesterol levels.

Shop for high-quality, low-sugar varieties of dark chocolate consisting of at least 70% cacao content. ​Most experts agree that the recommended "dose" of dark chocolate is approximately 1 to 2 ounces.

Blueberries

Full of flavonoids called anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve animals' cognition, blueberries are a powerful brain treat that sweeten up oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, and more. In one study, researchers analyzed 25 fruits for their antioxidant activity and, together with pomegranate, blueberries ​scored the highest​. Another study revealed that regular consumption of blueberries can ​delay cognitive aging​ by several years.

Green Tea

Other foods rich in flavonoids include green tea. Based on one study published in the journal Psychopharmacology,​ researchers found that those who drank green tea extract experienced increased cognitive functioning, as demonstrated by functional magnetic resonance imaging. In a number of ​other exciting studies​, green tea has shown to be extremely beneficial in slowing down aging, improving brain function, protecting from brain diseases, and decreasing inflammation.

Smarter Foods, Smarter Brain

We all want to avoid memory loss, forgetfulness, and brain fog for as long as possible. The good news is, ​there are healthy steps you can take to care for the brain you were given. ​The longevity and health of both your brain and your body are dependent upon consuming ​healthy whole foods, ​so ​the power to fortify and protect your brain is in your hands. Every time you make a good food choice, you are saying ‘yes’ to a sharper, healthier brain.