Foods That Make You Smarter
Okay, so no food is going to make you a genius if your IQ is average, but scientists do have evidence that some foods can perk up your brain. By incorporating these foods into your everyday menus, you’ll feel snappier and healthier. And by all means, on those days when you feel like you left your brain in bed, use these foods to get back to your usual self.
Salmon
Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered essential for good brain function. Studies show eating salmon can make you more alert and improve your cognition. Salmon also keeps your brain healthy for the long run, reducing the risk of degenerative mental diseases like dementia. Other perks to eating salmon include better memory and less depression and anxiety. Be sure to check out Gourmandia for great salmon recipes on video.
Nuts
Nuts are full of good fats, fiber, and vitamin E and studies show they improve energy and mental alertness. Almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and filberts are particularly good choices. Eat a handful every day to improve your smarts, or try one of Gourmandia’s nut recipes on video for something more elaborate.
Seeds
Whether you eat sunflower seeds for a snack, sesame seeds on your bread, or flax seeds in your baked goods, you’re giving your brain a boost when you do so. Seeds are packed with protein, good fats, and vitamin E – all good for your brain function – plus they contain brain-boosting magnesium and stress-reducing antioxidants.
Coffee
No surprise here. Coffee improves blood flow to the brain, making it easier to think clearly. But unlike many other “smart foods,” use some caution with coffee. Drinking more than two to four cups a day, or adding lots of sugar to your joe, may make your brain more sluggish. For a pick me up dinner, be sure to try Roasted Duck Fillet with Braised Endives and an Arabica Coffee Sauce.
Chocolate
The caffeine in chocolate makes this sweet a good brain booster, but chocolate also raises the body’s serotonin levels, so you’ll feel happier about your intellectual capacities. Dark chocolate is the best choice, since it has less sugar to drag you (and your brain) down. Tonight, try one of these scrumptious chocolate recipes on video.
Blueberries
These small, round, purple berries may be one of the best foods available on planet earth. High in fiber yet low on the glycemic index, they won’t spike your blood sugar, making you feel sluggish. Blueberries may also reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s, and are scientifically linked to improved learning ability and better motor skills.
Garlic
Garlic improves blood flow to your brain, making thinking easier. Scientific studies on animals show eating garlic improves brain function and prevents long term degeneration of the brain’s frontal lobes. Next time you’re feeling sluggish, be sure to try one of Gourmandia’s garlic recipes on video.
Tomato
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene – an antioxidant that’s great for your brain. Scientists think it reduces the long term risk of degenerative mental diseases like dementia and neutralizes free radicals in the body that destroy and damage brain cells. To release the lycopene in tomatoes, however, they must be cooked, so try one of these tomato recipes on video this week.
Avocado
Packed with good fats and high-quality protein, avocado is an excellent addition to your everyday meals. Making your brain’s blow flow better, avocado helps you think and gives you an all-around energy boost.
Ginger
Scientists believe ginger improves cognitive function and may help prevent degenerative mental diseases like Alzheimer’s. Ginger also decreases inflammation, so if your have arthritis, or your workout was a bit too strenuous the day before, ginger can make your body feel better, letting your brain worry about other things. Be sure to check out these ginger recipes on video.
