Free USA Shipping!
November 06, 2019
There’s been a lot of talks and articles about keeping a healthy and fit body. But what about keeping a healthy brain?
It’s a known fact – having a well-balanced diet brings a lot of benefits. Boosting brain function is one of the merits we can get from eating the right foods. Having the right vitamins, minerals and nutrients not just keep us mentally sharp, they could also help delay cognitive decline.
So what are the foods that can help us achieve the fountain of youth, brain-wise?
Here are the 4 main categories that you should remember:
Leafy greens contain nutrients that can keep your brain healthy and slow down cognitive decline. These nutrients include vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene.
Vegetables like broccoli contain high levels of glucosinolates, known to produce isothiocyanates, which combat oxidative stress and make you less susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases. [1]
Broccolis are also rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which both enhance brain health.
Other veggies with similar benefits include the following:
Oily, fatty fish is the top-of-mind for brain foods as they are known to be a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and healthy, unsaturated fats.
Omega-3’s plays a major role in enhancing brain functions. Fat comprises almost 60 percent of our brain, and half of this is omega-3, which the brain uses for building cells used for cognitive functions like learning and memory. [2, 3, 4]
According to a 2017 study, those found with high levels of omega-3 are seen to have increased blood flow in the brain. The same study established the link between this and better cognitive function, which means sharper thinking. [5]
Other benefits of omega-3 also include slowing down the decline of mental abilities and helps you steer clear of Alzheimer’s disease. [6, 7, 8, 9]
Sources of oily fish include the following: [10, 11, 12]
Nuts and seeds are also great sources of omega-3. [10]
According to a 2014 study, participants with higher consumption of nuts experienced better mental performance as they got older. [13]
Another study in 2015 showed that a higher intake of walnuts improved cognitive test scores. Walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an omega-3 fatty acid that can lead to lower blood pressure and protect the arteries. [14]
Aside from omega-3, nuts and seeds are also rich in vitamin E, which protects brain cells from free radicals and the oxidative stress they bring. As we grow older, the more susceptible we get with this oxidative stress, which may cause us to have poorer cognitive functions. With higher levels of vitamin E from nuts and seed, we are less likely to develop slower cognitive decline as we age. [15]
Brain foods in this form may include:
Berries contain flavonoids, which are what give berries their natural color. At the same time, flavonoids are considered antioxidants that also help improve memory, reduce inflammation and fight off oxidative stress.
Aside from flavonoids, berries contain other antioxidants such as anthocyanin, caffeic acid, catechin, and quercetin. [16]
Various researches and studies have shown that this is the case:
Brain-food berries include the following:
You can always start incorporating these superfoods into your regular diet to boost your brain function and slow down the decline of brain-related functions.
But if you feel like you find an unbalanced diet at this point and still need a few more reinforcements, then you can always consider nootropic supplements. It’s best to consider multivitamins or those with ample amounts of omega-3 fatty acid.
When looking for a great nootropic supplement, go for the one that:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-brain-foods#section5
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26795198
[3] https://nccih.nih.gov/health/omega3/introduction.htm
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26809263
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28527220
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16216930
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19523795
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27825512
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27633106
[10] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324044.php
[11] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-brain-foods#section1
[12] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/10-foods-boost-your-brainpower
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4105147/
[14] https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/foods-linked-to-better-brainpower
[15] https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/eat-smart-healthier-brain#1
[16] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-brain-foods#section3
November 01, 2021
As human beings, it is natural for us to have “one of those days” when we seem to lose mental clarity, memory or focus. There can be a variety of reasons, but know that it certainly is normal to feel like we’re not managing our focus and time as much as we’d want to.
While self-motivation is highly important in achieving goals, there are other ways to soldier on even when we feel like just staying in bed. Here are 5 ways to motivate yourself into action:
October 01, 2021
Mood swings are very common among menstruating women. Crying spells, anxiety attacks, “hangry” moments, sudden outbursts, and snapping on the smallest of things – name it! Fortunately, there are various ways to relieve uncontrollable emotional ups-and-downs while “on code red.” Here are 7 ways to find relief from PMS mood swings.
September 01, 2021
Disclaimer: Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information found on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Get email only VALI deals, access to new product promotions, and much more!
© 2022 VALI Health.
Powered by Shopify