Drum roll please…. Introducing the rest of the list of Top 10 Brain Boosting Foods!
- LEAFY GREENS
Leafy greens are high in iron and iron deficiency has been linked to lagging memory. Without iron, you can’t produce enough blood cells, so less oxygen gets to your brain to feed those important cells.
Besides spinach, leafy greens include a wide variety of vegetable greens like mustard greens,turnip greens, collard greens, bok choy, romaine lettuce, arugula, kale, Swiss chard, and dandelion greens.
Idea: Mix a variety of greens together for a salad. Arugula is great on top of a thin crust veggie pizza.
- AVOCADO
This healthy monounsaturated fat increases blood flow to the brain. That means more oxygen and more nutrients getting to those parts of your brain that help you to think and to remember details.
Avocados could also help lower blood pressure, a condition that can put you at risk for cognitive decline. The avocado contains 14 minerals. Of special importance are copper and iron.
Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, B1, and B2 and essential fatty acids.
Idea: Smash an avocado and put on a sandwich instead of using mayo.
- APPLES
That old adage about “an apple a day” is right on target. Apples contain a group of chemicals that could protect the brain from the type of damage that triggers neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Green apples are best!
Idea: Dice an apple and put it in your salad of leafy greens.
- CURRY
An essential ingredient in curry is turmeric, which is a herb that could protect your mind from diseases that ravage the memory. Studies show that India has a lower rate of Alzheimers disease and it is speculated that it could be from the turmeric in curry.
Idea: If you haven’t cooked with curry try it at a really good Indian or Thai restaurant.
- OLIVE OIL
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats omega-3 fatty acid and is good for the brain because it doesn’t cause inflammation like other oils. It contains a compound called tyrosol; and studies have show links that this may reduce dementia. Make sure it is Extra Virgin pressed oil and organic if possible.
Idea: Use an infused flavored olive oil (orange or lemon) on fish before cooking.
Take a minute and THINK about where you can add these foods to your meals in the next couple of day!
I would love to have you join my MEETUP group – even if you aren’t local I’ll be doing virtual events too!
Health & Bliss to You,
Susie