How often do you count the calories on a container before you purchase food or a drink?
How many times have you been concerned about the welfare of your body – especially your gut – when
you’re about to consume something fatty or junk food?
Maybe you’re one of the people who watch what you eat very well and work to make sure your muscles
and bones are strong and your body fat percentage is managed correctly; if so, good for you!
Have you ever stopped to think about the oh-so-scientific thing that we call “brain food”?
If you haven’t, don’t worry about it! The thought hadn’t so much as crossed my mind for most of my life.
But when the thought struck, I was driven to a frenzy to find out just what was the best kind of food for
my brain as well as my body, and what the effect of different foods had on the mind.
This brings us to the topic of this article, so let’s dive right in!
Healthy Dietary Options To Incorporate
First, let’s grasp the broader concept of “brain food” and go from there.
We’ve learned through several studies that a diet of high nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, is associated with
higher cognitive function because these nutrients are essential for proper brain function.
So foods like fatty fish (salmon, sardines, and mackerel) are all high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and
function.
Why?
Well, your brain is made up of billions of little cells that are called neurons. These neurons connect and communicate with each
other to basically allow our brains to do everything they need to do.
Think of omega-3’s as protective and healthy bubbles around the neurons, connecting pathways and making up the walls that
protect them.
So then, when you eat fatty fish, it’s like you’re creating the best environment for your mind, priming yourself for strong learning and
memory.
Such an easy one for us all to get our hands on are berries.
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are an antioxidant defense, which helps protect the brain and keeps
healthy pathways for neurons to travel.
Berries contain flavonoids, which have been shown to improve cognitive function, particularly in the areas of memory and learning.
Some studies suggest that regular consumption of berries may help to prevent age-related decline in brain function.
Nuts
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of vitamin E, which is important for
brain health.
Chocolate… but, before you get your hopes up, it’s dark
Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is high in flavonoids, which can help improve cognitive
function and mental sharpness. In my opinion dark chocolate is the best chocolate
anyways.
Green Vegetables
Leafy greens: Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens, are high in vitamins
and minerals that are important for brain health.
A List Of Foods That Aren’t Doing Our Minds Any Favors
On the other hand, a diet that is high in saturated and trans fats, refined sugars, and
processed foods is associated with poorer cognitive function. These foods can increase
inflammation in the body, which can lead to damage to the brain and impaired cognitive
function. Some foods that are particularly harmful to cognitive function include:
Anything Processed
Processed foods: Processed foods are often high in refined sugars, saturated and trans fats, and other unhealthy ingredients that can impair cognitive function.
Fried Food
Fried foods: Fried foods are high in unhealthy fats, which can lead to inflammation and
damage to the brain.
Drinks Filled With Sugar… I know…
Sugary drinks: I love sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit juice, but they’re high in refined
sugars, which can impair cognitive function and mental sharpness.
In Addition To Diet, Here’s What We Can Do To Help Our Minds Out
In addition to the foods we eat, other lifestyle factors can also impact cognitive function. These include:
- Exercise: Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function by growth of new brain cells due to increased blood flow.
- Sleep: Sleep is essential for brain health and function. Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function and mental sharpness.
- Stress management: Chronic stress can lead to inflammation within the brain and other parts of the cental nervious system.
In conclusion, a lifestyle that promotes a healthy diet can lead to an increase in cognitive
functionality by properly supplying the brain with the resources necessary.
I hope this article helped with any questions or curiosities you had. If there’s anything
you’d like to add, please feel free to leave a comment down below!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link on this website and make a purchase, I may receive a commission from Amazon. The price you pay for the product will remain the same whether you use my link or not. Please note that I only promote products that I believe in and use myself. Any opinions or recommendations on this website are my own and not influenced by Amazon or any other third party. Thank you for supporting this website and allowing me to continue providing valuable content.
1 thought on “The Impact Of Diet On Cognitive Function And Mental Sharpness”