Get Smarter Eating Healthier Foods?

10 Best Foods to Boost Your Brain and Memory

    2022-03-0703/07/22   
Nutrition  

Keeping your brain healthy involves a combination of a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and social interaction. Certains foods are a better choice than others. Here's some tasty and healthy options.

Did you know that 60 percent of your brain is made from fat and 20 percent of the oxygen your body produces goes to the brain?

But what are brain foods and are there specific foods you can eat to boost your brain and keep it functioning optimally? Can you use your diet to boost your memory and get better brainpower?

There are definitely foods that make the brain feel more sluggish and foggy (for example, refined carbohydrates and alcohol).

Let's take a look at the ten best foods for brain health right here.

1. Dark Leafy Green Vegetables

Dark green vegetables are full of nutrients and antioxidants that are good for the brain. One of the key vitamins in green vegetables is vitamin K - a fat-absorbed vitamin that is crucial for building brain cells.

Antioxidants are also essential to help prevent inflammation and preserve brain function as we age.

Try adding broccoli, kale, chard and spinach to your diet for brain-boosting properties. You can even add these vegetables to a smoothie to make it easier for you to pack them in at once.

2. Nuts and Seeds

For optimal function, our brains need omegas and fatty acids. These compounds are found in abundance in nuts and seeds. Nuts are full of healthy fats, which are great for brain memory and keeping the brain in good health.

Walnuts, in particular, are excellent brain food, so if you're studying or want a brain booster, add them to your diet. Have you ever noticed that walnuts look a bit like a brain? That's to remind you it's good to eat them for your brain!

Other nuts and seeds to add to your diet include almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds.

3. Soya

Products made from soya beans such as soya milk and tofu are rich in plant-derived antioxidants called polyphenols.

These powerful antioxidants can help to reverse aging in your cells as well as reduce the damage caused by toxins in the environment, for example, pollution and UV rays. 

High levels of polyphenols in your diet can help to improve your memory and boost your brain function. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses.

4. Berries

Another plant food high in antioxidants, berries, contains flavonoids. These are properties that, much like polyphenols, can help to reduce oxidative stress in the body.

These powerful antioxidants found in berries can help improve the connection between your brain cells and increase brain plasticity. This can help reduce your risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's.

It's easy to add berries with high levels of antioxidants into your diet. For example, replace cakes or biscuits with strawberries or add raspberries and blueberries to your breakfast.

5. Coffee

Coffee gets a bad reputation for being unhealthy but consumed in moderation; it's a great addition to your diet. 

A cup of coffee also can help you improve your memory and improve concentration. When you've had a cup of coffee, you can improve your concentration and even your ability to retain information.

6. Green Tea

Much like coffee, green tea is full of powerful antioxidants which can help improve concentration and brain function. It also contains an essential amino acid called L-theanine. This amino acid is important for brain function and can even help you feel more relaxed and calm.

The relaxing effects of L-theanine can also help to counteract the strong impact caffeine can have on the brain.

7. Dark Chocolate

There are many health benefits associated with dark chocolate. The flavonoids in dark chocolate are also powerful antioxidants that can help improve the blood flow to your brain.

Eating dark chocolate in small quantities can also help boost your memory and cognitive function. Who knew chocolate was one of many brain memory boosting foods?

8. Tumeric

This super spice is a well-known anti-inflammatory with numerous health benefits. 

It could also be beneficial for your brain health. Some studies show that the powerful antioxidant in turmeric called curcumin could help boost memory and protect our brain cells from damage.

9. Oily Fish

High in Omega 3, oily fish is an excellent source of nutrients for the brain. Perhaps one of the most commonly known brain foods, the essential fatty acids in oily fish are great for building memory and maintaining brain cells.

Fatty acids are also crucial for reducing the decline in brain function, which can occur as we age.

Add salmon, tuna, tout and mackeral to your diet for an abundance of brain-boosting essential fatty acids and omega 3.

10. Supplements

There are also many supplements you can take for cognitive health in addition to a balanced, healthy diet. Supplements are an easy way to get micronutrients into your daily routine without having to think about it too much.

Vitamins such as B12 are essential for maintaining brain health and are often difficult to get from your food. Taking a supplement ensures you get enough of this vital vitamin.

Eat Brain Foods to Boost Your Brain as Part of a Healthy, Balanced Diet

As with any dietary addition, you should eat all these foods in moderation as part of a healthy balanced diet.

For optimal health, it's best to eat a varied diet rich in whole foods and vegetables. If you aren't sure what the best diet is for your lifestyle, speak to your doctor or a nutritionist.

Adding these foods to your diet will boost your brain, give you more energy and may even help to prevent cognitive illness.

If you would like more advice on making long-term, healthy lifestyle changes, ckeckout our online wellness course.

headshot of Jay Todtenbier 2018
Author

Jay Todtenbier is an original founder of SupplementRelief.com in 2010 and has operated the business ever since. He is also a tennis instructor and gospel musician. Formerly he spent 25 years in business development, technology and marketing with startups and major corporations having gone through the tech boom in Silicon Valley in the 90s. He became passionate about, and began studying and practicing Wellness as a Lifestyle after experiencing chronic, personal health challenges including depression, auto-immune disorders, and being overweight that impacted his ability to live a healthy, vibrant life. Since then, he has been an advocate for healthier living encouraging others to live better through making small, gradual changes to lifestyle behaviors relating to whole-foods nutrition, stress management, reasonable exercise, proper sleep, and the use of targeted, high-quality supplements.

Learn more about Jay Todtenbier.

  Related Content

We encourage you to take advantage of these FREE Wellness Resources on our website.


illustration of man with a face holding a masked face in his hand

13 Fun Facts About the Human Body

Many of the processes your body carries out on a day-to-day basis go unnoticed, and you take for granted that everything keeps ticking over.

It's often only when things go wrong that we start to realize how intricate and fascinating our bodies are. For this reason, it's essential to keep healthy and look after every part of our body.


woman in bathrobe applying skin care product to her face

Anti-Aging: Skin Care That Will Keep You Young

Nailing your skincare routine can seem pretty overwhelming. Don't worry; we have you covered. Want to look younger well into your 50s? Then follow the tips in this skin care guide.


Rusty chain links illustrating the cellular oxidative process.

How Antioxidants Slow the Aging Process and Help Prevent Disease

Oxidation is involved in aging and many other disease processes. Our bodies use antioxidants to oppose the cell oxidation process. Learn about some healthy food options and NuMedica antioxidant supplements that can help.


woman using her hands to illustrate where the gut microbiome is on her body

How to Improve Microbiome Imbalance

How can you ensure you maintain a healthy gut? What daily lifestyle changes can you make to keep stomach upsets and digestive problems at bay? Try these tips and you should see improvements in your digestion in no time.


omega supplement softgels

Omega 3, 6, or 9? What Is the Difference?

There are different types of fats; saturated and unsaturated (which includes monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats). Essential fatty acids are part of the group of healthy fats, including Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9. What can you eat to enrich your diet in healthy fats? Which fatty acids are the most important? This article will break down the answers to these questions.


Supplements for Fatigue, Brain Fog, Memory, Sleep, ADHD & Behavioral Issues?

Many people suffer from Neuro-Endocrine-Immune diseases and disorders. This is a very deep and very specific group of issues, and this article will only scratch the surface of what these products can do. I encourage you to dig deeper into product descriptions if something piques your interest.


Illustration of inflammation in the gut for an obese woman.

Understanding Inflammation's Link to Obesity, Diabetes, & Disease

This article provides introductory knowledge on the role of blood sugar and body fat on inflammation. Inflammation is the center-point of disease and the main contributor to obesity.


broccoli is a cruciferous-vegetable

Why Should I Eat Cruciferous Vegetables?

If you are interested in eating healthier, one easy way to do this is by adding cruciferous vegetables to your daily meal plan. Cruciferous vegetables' benefits are many, and this article will outline a few of them to get you motivated and inspired to include this humble vegetable category in your diet.


Plant-based and animal sources of Omega-3 acids

Why You Should Choose Omega-3 Rich Foods in Your Diet

For years, health experts have touted the benefits of consuming omega-3 fatty acids, but most people don't understand why they are essential. Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for the health of your body's cell membranes and provide benefits for blood vessels, immune systems, lungs, and endocrine systems.

  • Blog Post

    Did you know that 60 percent of your brain is made from fat and 20 percent of the oxygen your body produces goes to the brain?

    But what are brain foods and are there specific foods you can eat to boost your brain and keep it functioning optimally? Can you use your diet to boost your memory and get better brainpower?

    There are definitely foods that make the brain feel more sluggish and foggy (for example, refined carbohydrates and alcohol).

    Let's take a look at the ten best foods for brain health right here.

    1. Dark Leafy Green Vegetables

    Dark green vegetables are full of nutrients and antioxidants that are good for the brain. One of the key vitamins in green vegetables is vitamin K - a fat-absorbed vitamin that is crucial for building brain cells.

    Antioxidants are also essential to help prevent inflammation and preserve brain function as we age.

    Try adding broccoli, kale, chard and spinach to your diet for brain-boosting properties. You can even add these vegetables to a smoothie to make it easier for you to pack them in at once.

    2. Nuts and Seeds

    For optimal function, our brains need omegas and fatty acids. These compounds are found in abundance in nuts and seeds. Nuts are full of healthy fats, which are great for brain memory and keeping the brain in good health.

    Walnuts, in particular, are excellent brain food, so if you're studying or want a brain booster, add them to your diet. Have you ever noticed that walnuts look a bit like a brain? That's to remind you it's good to eat them for your brain!

    Other nuts and seeds to add to your diet include almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds.

    3. Soya

    Products made from soya beans such as soya milk and tofu are rich in plant-derived antioxidants called polyphenols.

    These powerful antioxidants can help to reverse aging in your cells as well as reduce the damage caused by toxins in the environment, for example, pollution and UV rays. 

    High levels of polyphenols in your diet can help to improve your memory and boost your brain function. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses.

    4. Berries

    Another plant food high in antioxidants, berries, contains flavonoids. These are properties that, much like polyphenols, can help to reduce oxidative stress in the body.

    These powerful antioxidants found in berries can help improve the connection between your brain cells and increase brain plasticity. This can help reduce your risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's.

    It's easy to add berries with high levels of antioxidants into your diet. For example, replace cakes or biscuits with strawberries or add raspberries and blueberries to your breakfast.

    5. Coffee

    Coffee gets a bad reputation for being unhealthy but consumed in moderation; it's a great addition to your diet. 

    A cup of coffee also can help you improve your memory and improve concentration. When you've had a cup of coffee, you can improve your concentration and even your ability to retain information.

    6. Green Tea

    Much like coffee, green tea is full of powerful antioxidants which can help improve concentration and brain function. It also contains an essential amino acid called L-theanine. This amino acid is important for brain function and can even help you feel more relaxed and calm.

    The relaxing effects of L-theanine can also help to counteract the strong impact caffeine can have on the brain.

    7. Dark Chocolate

    There are many health benefits associated with dark chocolate. The flavonoids in dark chocolate are also powerful antioxidants that can help improve the blood flow to your brain.

    Eating dark chocolate in small quantities can also help boost your memory and cognitive function. Who knew chocolate was one of many brain memory boosting foods?

    8. Tumeric

    This super spice is a well-known anti-inflammatory with numerous health benefits. 

    It could also be beneficial for your brain health. Some studies show that the powerful antioxidant in turmeric called curcumin could help boost memory and protect our brain cells from damage.

    9. Oily Fish

    High in Omega 3, oily fish is an excellent source of nutrients for the brain. Perhaps one of the most commonly known brain foods, the essential fatty acids in oily fish are great for building memory and maintaining brain cells.

    Fatty acids are also crucial for reducing the decline in brain function, which can occur as we age.

    Add salmon, tuna, tout and mackeral to your diet for an abundance of brain-boosting essential fatty acids and omega 3.

    10. Supplements

    There are also many supplements you can take for cognitive health in addition to a balanced, healthy diet. Supplements are an easy way to get micronutrients into your daily routine without having to think about it too much.

    Vitamins such as B12 are essential for maintaining brain health and are often difficult to get from your food. Taking a supplement ensures you get enough of this vital vitamin.

    Eat Brain Foods to Boost Your Brain as Part of a Healthy, Balanced Diet

    As with any dietary addition, you should eat all these foods in moderation as part of a healthy balanced diet.

    For optimal health, it's best to eat a varied diet rich in whole foods and vegetables. If you aren't sure what the best diet is for your lifestyle, speak to your doctor or a nutritionist.

    Adding these foods to your diet will boost your brain, give you more energy and may even help to prevent cognitive illness.

    If you would like more advice on making long-term, healthy lifestyle changes, ckeckout our online wellness course.

    headshot of Jay Todtenbier 2018
    Author

    Jay Todtenbier is an original founder of SupplementRelief.com in 2010 and has operated the business ever since. He is also a tennis instructor and gospel musician. Formerly he spent 25 years in business development, technology and marketing with startups and major corporations having gone through the tech boom in Silicon Valley in the 90s. He became passionate about, and began studying and practicing Wellness as a Lifestyle after experiencing chronic, personal health challenges including depression, auto-immune disorders, and being overweight that impacted his ability to live a healthy, vibrant life. Since then, he has been an advocate for healthier living encouraging others to live better through making small, gradual changes to lifestyle behaviors relating to whole-foods nutrition, stress management, reasonable exercise, proper sleep, and the use of targeted, high-quality supplements.

    Learn more about Jay Todtenbier.

  • Related Content

      Related Content

    We encourage you to take advantage of these FREE Wellness Resources on our website.


    illustration of man with a face holding a masked face in his hand

    13 Fun Facts About the Human Body

    Many of the processes your body carries out on a day-to-day basis go unnoticed, and you take for granted that everything keeps ticking over.

    It's often only when things go wrong that we start to realize how intricate and fascinating our bodies are. For this reason, it's essential to keep healthy and look after every part of our body.


    woman in bathrobe applying skin care product to her face

    Anti-Aging: Skin Care That Will Keep You Young

    Nailing your skincare routine can seem pretty overwhelming. Don't worry; we have you covered. Want to look younger well into your 50s? Then follow the tips in this skin care guide.


    Rusty chain links illustrating the cellular oxidative process.

    How Antioxidants Slow the Aging Process and Help Prevent Disease

    Oxidation is involved in aging and many other disease processes. Our bodies use antioxidants to oppose the cell oxidation process. Learn about some healthy food options and NuMedica antioxidant supplements that can help.


    woman using her hands to illustrate where the gut microbiome is on her body

    How to Improve Microbiome Imbalance

    How can you ensure you maintain a healthy gut? What daily lifestyle changes can you make to keep stomach upsets and digestive problems at bay? Try these tips and you should see improvements in your digestion in no time.


    omega supplement softgels

    Omega 3, 6, or 9? What Is the Difference?

    There are different types of fats; saturated and unsaturated (which includes monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats). Essential fatty acids are part of the group of healthy fats, including Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9. What can you eat to enrich your diet in healthy fats? Which fatty acids are the most important? This article will break down the answers to these questions.


    Supplements for Fatigue, Brain Fog, Memory, Sleep, ADHD & Behavioral Issues?

    Many people suffer from Neuro-Endocrine-Immune diseases and disorders. This is a very deep and very specific group of issues, and this article will only scratch the surface of what these products can do. I encourage you to dig deeper into product descriptions if something piques your interest.


    Illustration of inflammation in the gut for an obese woman.

    Understanding Inflammation's Link to Obesity, Diabetes, & Disease

    This article provides introductory knowledge on the role of blood sugar and body fat on inflammation. Inflammation is the center-point of disease and the main contributor to obesity.


    broccoli is a cruciferous-vegetable

    Why Should I Eat Cruciferous Vegetables?

    If you are interested in eating healthier, one easy way to do this is by adding cruciferous vegetables to your daily meal plan. Cruciferous vegetables' benefits are many, and this article will outline a few of them to get you motivated and inspired to include this humble vegetable category in your diet.


    Plant-based and animal sources of Omega-3 acids

    Why You Should Choose Omega-3 Rich Foods in Your Diet

    For years, health experts have touted the benefits of consuming omega-3 fatty acids, but most people don't understand why they are essential. Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for the health of your body's cell membranes and provide benefits for blood vessels, immune systems, lungs, and endocrine systems.


The information, knowledge, and experience shared on this website is the opinion of SupplementRelief.com. This site and its content is intended to enhance your knowledge base as YOU MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE DECISIONS in partnership with your qualified health professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referred to are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

comments for discussion forum
Discussion Forum

Ask questions. Share your thoughts.  Note that we cannot answer questions relating to specific medical conditions - please refer those to your qualified healthcare provider. Post a new Comment or Reply to an existing one.

Discussion Forum

Share your thoughts.  Post a new Comment or Reply to an existing one.

Post Comment
 Discussion Forum Help

Comments are displayed in order of the last one posted so the most recent Comment is at the top and older Comments are towards the bottom. Replies within a Comment are displayed in reverse order with the oldest Reply at the top and the most recent one at the bottom.

Each post identifies who made the post and the date and time the post was made.

Mouse over the icons for tooltips that explain what the data means.

If you see this icon you can attach an Audio file to your post.

If you see this icon you can attach a Document file to your post.

If you see this icon you can attach an Image file to your post.

If you see this icon you can attach a Video file to your post.

You will see the Ban icon (Report Post as SPAM) immediately following the Timestamp of the post. Click this icon if you feel strongly that the content posted is not appropriate and should be reviewed by the Forum Moderator. You will be provided with a confirmation dialog to be sure you wish to submit this post for review. If submitted, the Forum Moderator will be notified to review the post and will determine what type of action to take.

Click in the upper right corner of this Help modal or anywhere on the web page outside of the modal to exit Help.

×
Blog Post Page Help ×
  

* Disclaimer: This page is available exclusively for SupplementRelief.com clients. None of the information on this website is intended to replace your relationship with your healthcare provider(s). Nothing should be considered medical advice. The information, knowledge, and experience shared on this website is the opinion of SupplementRelief.com. This site and its content is intended to enhance your knowledge base as YOU MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE DECISIONS in partnership with your qualified health professional.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

* There is NO GUARANTEE OF SPECIFIC RESULTS for the products or services offered and the RESULTS CAN VARY for each individual.

FirstFitness Nutrition and NuMedica may be promoted and sold on the internet ONLY by Authorized Resellers who have been approved by, and have registered their website domain with these companies. They strictly prohibit, and actively monitor, the UNAUTHORIZED SALE or RESALE of their products in ALL online public shopping portals including Amazon, eBay, and others and into other countries. All products purchased in SupplementRelief.com are for PERSONAL USE ONLY and CANNOT BE RESOLD to others. Please report violations of Reseller Policy directly to FirstFitness Nutrition at 800.621.4348 and to NuMedica at 800.869.8100.

The content and photographs on this website are copyrighted or Licensed Material and may not be downloaded for other than personal use. Republication, retransmission, reproduction or any other use of the content or photographs is prohibited. ©2010-2023 SupplementRelief.com.