(Carrick Pharmacy News) Ever feel like your brain needs a boost? You may be able to find what you’re looking for in your pantry or refrigerator.
Some foods have been linked to better brain health, with positive effects like improved memory and cognition. That means you may be able to promote brain health with your diet.
Below, we discuss five foods that have been linked to better brain health.
1. Salmon and Other Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon and cod come packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have been tied to a wide range of health benefits, including reduced blood levels of beta-amyloid.
Beta-amyloid is a protein that forms into damaging clumps in the brain when you have Alzheimer’s disease. But omega-3s may help prevent that kind of buildup.
2. Green, Leafy Vegetables
Besides being just plain healthy for you, green, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, collard greens and cabbage may promote brain health. Specifically, past research has found that consuming these veggies may slow down cognitive decline, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
3. Herbs and Spices
Turmeric, saffron, rosemary, sage, ginger, and cinnamon are just some of the herbs and spices that have been tied to brain benefits. In other words, when you spice up your food, you may spice up your cognition. And that’s a good thing.
4. Coffee and Tea
There’s no shame in needing that caffeine boost in the morning — in fact, you might be doing your brain a big favor when you drink your morning cup.
That’s because caffeine has been tied to better mental performance and memory formation.
5. Berries
They’re delicious, nutritious and good for your brain. Berries like strawberries, blueberries and blackberries have been linked in past research to delayed memory decline, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
The reason why likely comes down to flavonoids — the compounds that give berries their lovely color. Research has linked these compounds to improved brain function.
Talk to your health care provider before making any major changes to your diet.
