Top Seven Great Foods to Perk Up Your Brain

If you haven't been feeling like the sharpest knife in the drawer lately maybe your diet is to blame. Your brain doesn't function at its highest level if it is sleep deprived, inactive or undernourished.

You can give your brain a good night's rest and a jog around the block, but most importantly don't forget to feed it the good stuff it needs to keep you at the top of your game. Eat well and eat often enough to keep your brain fueled with glucose for optimum function. Eating something healthy every three to five hours will improve your concentration and boost your energy.

Do yourself a favor and don't get up for that snack yet. After you read this article you may find yourself passing up the Twinkies and reaching for a handful of berries. You could eat your way to a higher I.Q. if you put the following foods on your shopping list.

Fish

Salmon tops the list of fish rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids which are important for all brain functions. In addition, Omega 3 has been shown to improve the brain's ability to learn new things, maintain memory functions, prevent or reduce depression and mood disorders as well as keep dementia at bay. Definitely eat some Salmon, Herring, Mackerel or Sardines at least twice a week.

Green Leafy Vegetables

Spinach and Broccoli are at the head of the class when it comes to putting out B Vitamins and antioxidants. These foods boost your brain's ability to think and slows down the loss of memory and attention due to age. And these vegetables are a perfect compliment to your baked Salmon.

Fruits/Fruit Juices

Kiwifruit, blueberries, orange juice and concord grape juice are all rich in antioxidants, which restrict the activities of cancer causing free radicals in the body, prevent depression, improve memory and motor shills and reduces the decline of balance and coordination as we get older.

Whole Grains/Brown Rice

To get high levels of folate into your body, include whole grain foods like bran, whole grain breads and cereals. Folate allows an increased blood flow to your brain so all systems are definitely go. Whole Grains also offer Vitamin B6 and Thiamine which keep your memory greased and read to rumble.

Nuts

Behold the walnut. It actually resembles the brain in a very miniature form. But that's not it's best feature. Walnuts, Almonds and cashews contain both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, vitamins E, B6 all of which are excellent nutrition for entire nervous systems and control serotonin levels which in turn keeps your moods and appetite in check.

Various and Sundry

Olive Oil, especially Extra Virgin Olive Oil is more than just a tasty addition to your veggies and salads. It reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels and facilitates the blood flow to your noggin. Olive Oil has been praised as being an all round better choice of oil for the total benefits to the body.

Garlic is also one of those foods that has proven beneficial to the entire body. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties are well known and the best way to eat it is raw. No, don't try tossing whole, uncooked garlic bulbs in your mouth. Use a shredder, pour olive oil over the shredded garlic, add some rosemary and dip your whole grain bread in it. Yummy AND healthy - Can't beat it!

Curcumin is found in tumeric and curry. Not spoken of widely but Curcumin is said to be awash in antioxidants as well as being anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-Alzheimer's. Studies are ongoing to test the tumor reducing properties of this compound, especially in cases of colon cancer.

The Finishing Touch

Cocoa. Don't run out and stock up on Hershey's bars. Only cocoa that has been minimally processed possess antioxidants and flavanoids. Studies suggest that raw cocoa powder and dark chocolate boost brain function, and help prevent the debilitating effects of aging on the brain's ability to understand and concentrate.

So, there you have an entire menu including dessert. Being smart about your brain doesn't require a culinary sacrifice.

Eat well and prosper!