The Best Foods To Boost Brain Function

Over the past decade, there have been many studies that link eating certain foods with improved brain function. These are referred to as neuro-enhancing or mind-boosting foods. While some of these studies seem too dramatic in their headlines, most do hold weight when investigated properly.
In this article, we will discuss the top five brain enhancing foods. Some of these foods may be new additions to your diet, while others you can enjoy already; it really does not matter. What matters is how much they help improve cognitive functioning!
Tip: Many of these foods can be found at any grocery store or food market. There is no need to shop specialised health stores or eat only organic products. More than likely, your local supermarket has all of these under one roof.
Sweet potatoes
Many people may not know this, but sweet potatoes are actually a significant part of the food group that is called the carbs. Carbohydrates can help increase blood glucose levels which play a big role in brain function.
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins such as A, B6, and magnesium, all of which contribute to healthy mental functioning. In fact, one large baked potato alone provides enough vitamin A for about 30 minutes of daily exposure!
Furthermore, research indicates that diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This is because many antioxidants found in veggies and fruit can protect your mind from oxidative stress — the oxidation or damage of other cells caused by excessive production of free radicals.
However, it should be noted that just because an ingredient is considered a carb doesn’t necessarily make it good or bad. For example, berries are a carb, but they’re also full of health benefits, so you should go ahead and eat them if you want.
Red rice
One of the most well-known types of rice is red rice. It’s sometimes referred to as “pink rice” or “berried white rice,” and it contains anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that have been linked to improved memory and mental function.
Anthocyanins are found in many fruits and vegetables, including cranberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, purple potatoes, and red rice. Although they’re not necessarily seen as colorful foods, you can also find them in spinach, soybeans, and dark chocolate.
A review published in the Journal of Nutrition reported that studies show that people who consumed three ounces (about one cup) of cooked red rice each day had better short term memory than those eating less than two cups per week.
Researchers believe this may be due to an antioxidant called epicatechin, which some studies suggest has anti-inflammatory effects and may help protect your heart.
Dried fruit
One of our favorite brain-boosting foods is dried fruits. Besides being rich in vitamins, they contain antioxidants that work to keep your mind healthy.
Dried fruits are almost always made up of three components: glucose, fructose, and protein. Glucose is the simplest type of sugar, while fructose and protein are more complex sugars that require processing in your body.
When you eat enough dried fruits, their texture makes them seem like dessert. But they’re also a good source of nutrients needed for mental function.
You’ll find many varieties of dried fruits — what kind depends on the flavor and how much crunch or chew you want.