Scientists found that glucose in blueberries also help give the brain energy to help it perform better.
One controlled trial in 2018 found that consuming a cup of blueberries daily helped improve concentration and resulted in a better outcome when performing mentally-challenging tasks. (22)
Blackberries increase brain power
Eating more blackberries can help to strengthen your brain and allow it to perform better under pressure.
Studies into the nutritional value of blackberries show that they have many of the nutrients required for good brain health. Blackberries are a good source of vitamins C and K as well as potent antioxidants. (23)
A trial involving rats showed that blackberries have the potential to boost brain power, improve memory performance, and positively affect cognitive health. (24)
You can find more information about the healing powers of berries in my e-book The Healing Berry Guide which is a must if you want to become healthier from the inside out and get healthy and easy berry recipes that are sure to boost your health.
Nuts are Great Brain Snacks
If you are looking for a great snack to improve your memory, concentration, and brain power, then increase your dietary intake of nuts.
Nuts are nutrient-dense and energy-dense foods that can give your brain an instant boost. For example, nuts help to improve cerebral blood flow that helps improve brain performance. (25)
Studies have also shown that nut consumption can help to treat and prevent a number of neuro-degenerative diseases. Even just a moderate consumption of nuts daily can help to improve brain power and prevent the effects of aging on the brain. (26)
A 2014 cohort study involving over 16,000 women in their 70s found a link between higher nut consumption and better brain function. (27)
If you want to start eating more nuts to boost your brain power, learn why you should always soak nuts before consuming them.
Walnuts are excellent foods for brain health
One of the best memory-enhancing foods that you can snack on is probably walnuts.
Walnuts are among the best brain foods because they contain omega-3 fatty acids, folate, melatonin, and antioxidants. One study found that walnuts have the potential to improve memory, learning ability, and reduce anxiety. (28)
One trial involving young adults found that walnut consumption helped increase brain power because it helped improve the brain’s ability to process thoughts. (29)
Further reading: How many walnuts should you eat daily to help increase your brain power?
Dark Chocolate Gives your Brain Energy
Dark chocolate contains a number of antioxidants that help improve the health of your brain.
A 2018 study examined the effect on the brain when consuming dark chocolate. Scientists found that eating dark chocolate increased electrical activity in the brain. This could help increase brain power, especially if you have to undertake complex mental tasks. The research also suggested that dark chocolate has the potential to improve memory performance. (30)
The results of other studies on the brain-boosting properties of dark chocolate have also shown positive results. Consuming dark chocolate has been linked to a lower risk of stroke, memory impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and anxiety-related issues. (31)
If you want to eat chocolate as a healthy brain food, you should choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao solids.
Learn more about the benefits of dark chocolate and how it can lift your mood, keep your heart healthy, and reduce inflammation.
Olive Oil for Good Brain Health
Olive oil is among the excellent brain foods that help to keep your mind sharp and alert as you age.
Research into the benefits of olive oil found that its anti-inflammatory properties help to protect the brain. Regularly consuming olive oil results in better cognitive performance and can help lower blood pressure. (32)
One study looking at how olive oil can nourish the brain found that diets rich in olive oil have many health benefits. High olive oil consumption seemed to help improve visual memory and prevent cognitive dysfunction. (33)
Find out some great ways to incorporate more olive oil in your diet to help lower cholesterol, treat hypertension, and strengthen your brain power.
Coconut Oil to Boost Brain Power
Coconut oil contains nutrients that are beneficial for nourishing and feeding your brain.
The positive effect of coconut oil as a good brain food was shown in a 2017 study. Alzheimer’s patients who received 40 ml of coconut daily improved cognitive performance over a 21-day period. (34)
There are many ways that virgin coconut oil can improve your general health. Learn how to use coconut oil to give yourself a super brain boost and many other health benefits.
Fermented Foods for Brain Health
Foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kimchi, and miso are important for brain health because they boost your gut microbiota.
The journal Preventive Nutrition and Food Science reported that consuming fermented foods has a positive effect on brain health. Fermented foods allow probiotics to flourish in the gut which help improve both digestion and brain function. (35)
Some of the benefits to your brain from fermented foods include improved cognitive function, better memory, protection against oxidative stress, and fewer signs of depression. (35)
Learn about the health benefits of probiotics in this article. You can also find out why consuming kefir regularly can help your digestive and mental health.
Spices for Memory and Concentration
You can add certain spices to foods to help improve your memory, brain function, and concentration levels.
Let’s look at how turmeric and ginger are good foods for your brain.
Turmeric may help prevent cognitive decline
The wonderful golden spice turmeric has brain-boosting potential that can help prevent cognitive decline.
A review of clinical studies on the effects of turmeric found that this spice can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. The benefit of turmeric for the brain is due to the compound curcumin. The results of many studies have shown that curcumin enhances the brain’s potential and helps prevent cognitive aging. (36)
