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Five foods that fuel the brain

October 10, 2016

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While researchers continue their efforts in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, scientists say that foods can play a role in brain health and age-related decline.

To help individuals provide sustenance for their bodies and minds, MyHealthNewsDaily has published a list of some of the best brain-boosting foods.

Fish

Thanks to their richness in omega-3s and antioxidants, fish are believed to be one of the best foods for overall brain health. According to a 2005 study published in the journal Archives of Neurology, the cognitive decline of individuals 65 and older who ate two meals of fish per day over a six-year period was 13 percent less than their contemporaries who ate lesser amounts. Researchers attribute Alzheimer’s-fighting effects of seafood to omega-3 fatty acids and high levels of vitamin B12, the source notes.

Walnuts

Nuts and seeds contain brain-enhancing nutrients as well, particularly walnuts. My Health News Daily notes that based on a 2009 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, rats whose diets were rich in walnuts helped reverse signs of aging, in addition to improving their brain’s ability to process information.

Carrots

Thanks to their richness in the compound luteolin, carrots can reduce inflammation levels in the brains of lab mice, according to a study published in the journal Nutrition, MyHealthNewsDaily reports. Other foods with high levels of luteolin include olive oil, bell peppers and celery.

Berries
Some of the best fruits to consume for better brain health are berries, especially blueberry, which have been described as an ideal “superfood.” The source notes a 2010 study from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, which found that after three months of participants supplementing with blueberry juice, their recall abilities improved after previously showing signs of worsening.

Spinach
While some may remember spinach as being the form of sustenance that fueled Popeye’s muscles, it is also an ideal brain food. The health news website cites a 2000 study from the Journals of Gerontology, which found that after supplementing rats with spinach extract, researchers witnessed a 500 to 900 percent increase in brain and nerve activity. Other leafy green leafy vegetables have been shown to have similar effects, researchers note.