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Whatever you put into your body can greatly impact your brain function whether that’s good or bad foods. I for one am greatly affected by what I eat; if I eat high fat foods I become sluggish and tired where as if I eat high protein, low carb foods I feel mentally and physically ready for activities… with a little help from coffee too!

So if you’re having trouble functioning in the morning, needing something to get you over that 3pm slump or struggling to get creative (such as writing a blog post in the evening) why not try boosting your brain function with food? There’s tons of fresh products that can promote brain health but I’ve managed to whittle it down and put together my Top 10 Brain Boosting Foods:

Salmon is highly rich in Omega 3 fatty acids that are aid in the conduction process aiding cells to send signals around the body and communicate more efficiently. It is also a great source protein, vitamin B and iron which helps the brain to stay focused and the body to produce more energy.

Almonds help in producing a steady blood flow. The unsaturated fats contains in these nuts helps to improve cholesterol levels and ease inflammation which in theory keeps the brain sharp. Almonds are also a great source of protein, zinc and vitamins B6 and E which have been proven to slow down the ageing of brain cells and promote brain health. They are also great at keeping hunger pangs at bay!

Broccoli is high in choline that helps spur the growth of new brain cells as well as connectivity that is essential for brain function. Broccoli is also rich in Vitamin B and Vitamin K that aids helps to improve cognitive function and improve long term memory. An additional benefit of eating broccoli is that it is a great antioxidant that works together to support the bodies detoxification process within the cells.

No one ever thinks celery could be as beneficial as it is due to its high water content however celery contains a flavonoid called Luteolin which is associated in protecting cells from the ageing process and reducing inflammation. Celery has also been linked with lowering the risk of memory loss and also contains a high level of daily vitamins and minerals to support brain power.

Berries are a great source of micronutrients and fibre. They’re packed with anthocyanins (a water-soluble that makes berries have that vibrant colour) that aid in producing a natural antioxidant that can activate protein ‘clean up’ in damaged cells to break down toxic chemicals and renew cells. Blueberries are the highest rank of brain power berry that contains vitamin A, C and E and minerals such as potassium and calcium.  

Coffee and tea lovers rejoice, It has been proven that these addictive drinks can pack a memory perking punch! Just 2 cups of coffee a day can improve memory skills, reaction, and brain activity. Caffeine has been known to boost long term memory, keep sugar cravings at bay and increase longevity in concentration. Scientist have even tested that just the smell of coffee can awaken the mind and promote brain power.

A personal favourite if mine, the avocado. Avocados are rich in fibre and monosaturated fats which are considered a ‘healthy fat’. They can aid in the process of decreasing cholesterol levels, improve vascular health and increasing blood flow which in total fires up brain cell activity.

Dark chocolate (the higher the % cocoa the better) can help promote brain activity as is contains small doses of caffeine. It also contains magnesium and is a rich antioxidant which stimulates the release of endorphins to relieve stress and heighten mental alertness. A normal 100g bar of 70-85% cocoa contains; 11g of Fibre, 67% Iron, 58% Magnesium, 89% Copper, 98% Manganese, Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Selenium. Just don’t go eating the whole bar!

Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant called ‘Lyopene’ which can help to protect cells from the type of free radical damage that can cause the development of dementia. They are also high in omega 3 fats which can boost concentration), Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Potassium, Copper and Vitamin A. The best time to eat tomatoes is from early April to late October, this is when they are in season and will be jam packed with vitamins and minerals.