Photo: amarmstrong / Flickr

I did it again! I walked into the kitchen and once there had absolutely no idea what I was there for – I’m sure there should be a word for that. This was made particularly annoying by the fact that I wasn’t hungry and had interrupted one of the many things I had to get done that day to go and do/get this thing which I’d forgotten. I decided I needed to boost my brain power – immediately. Here’s what I’m going to eat next time I find myself in the kitchen wondering exactly what it is I’m doing there – brain food.

The good fats

Wild salmon (not farm-bred) has been hailed as one of the healthiest things you can eat as it contains some of the highest levels of the good stuff that the body and mind need to function properly found in nature. Wild salmon is loaded with omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are crucial for proper brain function and are also said to reduce your risk of strokes as well as improve your moods. Plus, it’s undeniably yummy. Tip: if you’re vegetarian, you can get your omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil.

‘Brain berries’

The blueberry has become known as the ‘brain berry’ for good reason. This tiny nutrient-packed berry is not only filled with antioxidants but it’s also been found to actually reverse age-related brain decline and, in turn, help prevent and lessen the effects Alzheimer’s. Blueberries contain very high levels of antioxidant phytonutrients such as anthocyanins, which support healthy brain function and make them the perfect brain food. Plus, they’re also bursting with anti-cancer agents. So add blueberries to your yoghurt in the morning or pop them in a smoothie to keep that brain ticking.

Coffee

Coffee has had a bad rep for years, but that’s changing rapidly. Freshly ground, slow roasted coffee bean powder has been shown to have many body and brain benefits since the coffee bean itself is loaded with antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins. Don’t go running to Starbucks and order your complicated coffee yet, though, as all the added extras like whipped cream and sugar are what cancel out the coffee’s benefits and make it bad for you, so use your espresso machine next time you have a cup of java and be sure to take it black.

A diet rich in brain food is pretty simple to achieve, huh? Drink coffee, indulge in salmon as often as possible and keep your fridge stocked with blueberries to snack on. Your brain will thank you.

Tags: antioxidants, coffee, eating healthily, omega-3 fatty acids