Can certain foods make you smarter?

by Atul Singh Food Blogger

So you’ve been making smart choices when it comes to your food and nutrition. You pick whole meal bread over a white loaf, have fortified cereals for breakfast, and keep off the junk food. Can your food choices make you smarter and healthier at the same time? Indeed they can. Let’s take a look at some foods that go a long way in giving you optimum nutrition but at the same time boost brain power, thereby making you smarter.

Green leafy vegetables: Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, celery, and broccoli are rich in antioxidants. They are rich in sulforaphane compounds and Vitamin K which boost brain health and may help in staving off diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Salmon, anchovy, and oily fishes: Oily fishes such as salmon, anchovy, mackerel, herring, and trout are high in Omega-3 fats acids. Omega 3 has proven capabilities boosting mental health and relieving stress. Omega 3 may also play a key role in protecting from degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, scientists believe.

Nuts: You must be aware of the role of almonds in improving memory. This is because they contain a high concentration of Vitamins B2 and E. Walnuts are rich in DHA Omega 3 fatty acids. Peanuts and hazelnuts too are known to make one smarter.

Dark chocolate: If chocolates are your favourite here is good news for you. Flavanols found in cocoa and dark chocolate are great foods to improve human brain functioning. It is best to avoid a lot of milk or white chocolate, though.

Berries: Blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries and other dark coloured foods are rich in anthocyanins. These are nutrients that prevent memory loss and boost cognitive abilities that help in learning. Berries must, however, be had fresh and not dried, pickled, soaked in sugar and other artificial preservatives.

Whole Grains: Whole grains and foods such as oatmeal, whole grain bread, and brown rice are low in GI (Glycemic index) known to promote circulation. With increased flow of blood, brain activity is also stimulated thus making you smarter and more alert.

Seeds: Seeds boost cognitive abilities and improves memory. Pumpkin seeds, in particular, are known to make you smarter. Chia seeds too are believed to be very good for mental health. Flaxseeds, soya beans, pumpkin seeds are all believed to be good sources of EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids.

Red wine: Alcohol in excess is known to through motor and cognitive functions out of sync. An occasional glass of red wine, however, boosts brain function, say scientists. The resveratrol found in red wine is believed to improve brain health and help clear toxins in the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid).