Foods That Support Brain Health

The foods we eat have a big impact on our health — including or brain health! Eating a brain-boosting diet can support the other brain training activities that you perform here at NeuraPerformance Brain Center in Denver, like neurofeedback, gyrostim, HBOT therapy, and more. Think of your diet as an extension of your brain health that you can do every single. Learn more, and if you’d like to schedule an appointment at our brain center, contact us in Denver today!

Oily Fish

Oily fish are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are the acids that help build membranes around your brain cells. This means that they can help improve the structure of neurons and increase blood flow. They also include healthy unsaturated fats, which have been linked to lower blood levels of beta-amyloid — the protein that clumps and damages the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. A correlation between fatty fish and mental illness has also been made, particularly depression.

Try to eat fish like salmon, cod, canned tuna, and pollack at least twice a week. If you’re not a fan of eating fish or are a vegetarian/vegan, you can take omega-3 supplements or try other foods like flaxseeds and avocados. 

Tea and Coffee

There’s a reason why people like to sip on a cup of coffee in the morning — it gives you a little brain boost. Not only does caffeine give you a short term improvement in concentration, caffeine can actually help solidify new memories. 

Nuts

Nuts are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats. Walnuts in particular have been found to improve memory. No wonder they’re shaped like little brains!

Berries

Berries get their color from something called flavonoids, which also happen to help improve memory. So snack on some deep blue, purple, and red berries on a regular basis as part of your brain training and brain health regime. 

Whole Grains

Eating whole grains has a wide range of benefits, but in terms of brain health, they provide you with vitamin E, a great brain-boosting vitamin. Whole grain foods include brown rice, barley, and oatmeal. 

Avocado

We mentioned avocados earlier as a non-meat alternative to fatty fish, but this brain health food deserves its own category. It’s a source of healthful unsaturated fat that may lower the risk of cognitive decline. It also reduces blood pressure, which is linked to brain health.

Eggs

Eggs are great for all meals of the day! Put them in your regular meal rotation, because they contain vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid, which may help prevent brain shrinkage and delay cognitive decline.

Turmeric

Turmeric has become a very popular health food — and for good reason! This bright yellow spice has a ton of benefits for the brain. The active ingredient in turmeric, curumin, can cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it can directly enter the brain and support the brain cells. It is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that may benefit memory, ease depression, and help new brain cells grow. So try making more curries or drinking turmeric tea!

Broccoli

There’s a reason why your mom told you to eat your broccoli growing up — it’s great for your brain health! Broccoli is primarily known as a low-calorie source of fiber, but it is also rich in compounds called glucosinolates, which the body breaks down into isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. 

NeuraPerformance Brain Center Denver

We specialize in brain health, recovery, and brain training. We offer several specialized services that can help improve your brain performance, including neurofeedback, dynavision, gyrostim, and more. We also perform baseline concussion testing, concussion treatment, and vestibular therapy. Let NeuraPerformance Brain Center in Denver work to help you train your brain to be the best it can be!