Five fuels for your mind

You are what you eat – at least that’s how the saying goes. As part of a healthy diet, these five fuels can contribute to improved brain health:

Curcumin is the active ingredient responsible for turmeric’s praises – it is both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Curcumin boosts the brain-derived neurotrophic factor that helps brains grow and can help to improve memory. Turmeric can be found in teas and seasoning; you can find curcumin in tablet and capsule forms as a supplement.

Many studies link blueberry consumption to long-term memory retention. Blueberries contain anthocyanin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. The anthocyanin in blueberries combats conditions that may contribute to brain aging or neurodegenerative conditions.

Approximately 60% of the brain is comprised of fat, half of which are Omega 3s. Omega 3 fatty acids help build brain cells and nerve cells, support comprehension, memory and possibly delay age related mental conditions. Seek food sources rich in Omega 3 like salmon, trout or flaxseed.

Vitamin C can play a beneficial role in preventing mental decline by defending your brain, notably against cancer and other diseases. Your daily dose of vitamin C is found in fruits and veggies including kiwi, strawberries, tomatoes and bell peppers.

Despite its reputation, caffeine can be good for you in moderation. Coffee can not only help boost alertness, but with its high concentration of caffeine and antioxidants, coffee can also offer some reductive protection against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease in the long term.

Happy refueling!