You may think, "How can I keep my brain in optimal condition?" Maintaining coordination of all five senses and organs is a significant task for your body's control center. What you eat can help keep your brain healthy and boost mental activities such as concentration and focus. That's why some of them are also called brain foods.

Given that the brain consumes 20% of the body's calories, a high-quality energy supply is necessary to keep the brain sharp throughout the day. For example, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain cell growth and repair, while antioxidants help reduce cellular inflammation and stress. This good exemplification essay examines the scientific evidence for the seven healthiest brain foods.

Nuts and seeds

If you are not allergic to nuts or seeds, a diet rich in these foods will help keep your brain functioning properly. As a source of vitamin E and unsaturated fats, both nuts and seeds help prevent degenerative disorders like Alzheimer's from developing in the brain. 

They reduce the number of free radicals in the body, which cause brain cell damage. The brain is subject to oxidative stress as a person ages.

As a result, vitamin E promotes brain health as you get older. You can incorporate brain foods like nuts or seeds into your diet as snacks, dessert dressing, or toppings on your yogurt, but keep track of your portion size.

Nuts and seeds with high levels of vitamin E are:

• Peanuts
• Almonds
• Hazelnuts
• Pine nuts
• Sunflower seeds

Fish

Healthy Omega-3 fats are abundant in oily fish. In the body, Omega-3 helps to form the membranes that surround each cell, including brain cells. They improve the neuron structure.

Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids develop brain and nerve cells, vital for learning and memory. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids causes cognitive decline and depression.

Fish with high levels of omega3 are:

• Tuna
• Herring
• Salmon
• Sardines

Eggs

They are an excellent source of nutrients necessary for brain function, such as choline, folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12. Choline is a nutrient essential for the development of the memory center. The process takes place in the first six years of a human's life. 

Children up to the age of eight need 200 mg of choline per day, whereas men need 550 mg and women 450 mg per day. Most individuals do not get enough choline in their diet, and eggs are a convenient source of choline. We can't ignore eggs when we are talking about the brain foods. Choline nutrient concentrations in egg yolks are very high.

A lab report has shown choline intake boosts memory and mental performance.

Berries

Dark-colored berries are a group of plants that contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components. Antioxidants help in the prevention of brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Studies have shown berries improve memory and particular cognitive processes in both children and adults.

Berries high in antioxidants include:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Blackcurrants

Add them to breakfast cereal, smoothies, or enjoy them as a snack.

Dark chocolate

Who doesn't enjoy a good chocolate bar? Dark chocolate contains cocoa flavonoids, which are high in antioxidants, caffeine, and brain-boosting components. Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate has a higher cocoa content of 70%.

The flavonoids concentrate in brain areas involved in learning and memory. Researchers discovered the chemicals improved memory and slowed age-related cognitive decline.

Chocolate is a mood booster, and research has shown that eating it promotes happy sensations. So they are among the top brain foods.

Coffee

Good news for you if it is a highlight of your morning. Caffeine increases brain entropy, which refers to dynamic and complicated brain activity, according to research. When entropy is high, the brain can process more information.

Antioxidant components in caffeine are vital for brain function as you get older.

Research shows drinking coffee helps lower the chance of:

• Dementia 
• Parkinson's 
• Alzheimer's
• Stroke

Broccoli

Broccoli is full of potent plant compounds known as glucosinolate. When the body breaks them down, they create isothiocyanate. As a result, it reduces oxidative stress and the risk of neurodegenerative illnesses.

Broccoli is also high in vitamin C and K, where the fat-soluble vitamin K is essential for forming sphingolipid, a type of fat that's packed in the brain cells. A lab report has shown both vitamin C and K improve memory and cognitive status. The flavonoids and the oxidants help shield the brain from cognitive decline.

Other cruciferous vegetables rich in vitamin C and K include:

• Cabbage
• Kale
• Cauliflower
• Brussel sprouts
• Turnip

Bottom Line

The brain foods listed above may help improve your brain function today while promoting long-term health. Some contain fatty acids, which can aid in strengthening the structure of brain cells known as neurons. Other substances, such as sugar and saturated fats, can harm the brain's system.

Some of the most common ingredients in brain foods include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin B
• Unsaturated fats
• Antioxidants like vitamin E or flavonoids

Aside from modifying your food, a lab report suggests you should also hydrate, get enough sleep, exercise, and examine your lifestyle habits.