The food you eat doesn’t only play a crucial role in the health of your body and your ability to lose weight; as it turns out, your diet is also a vital component of the health of your brain. And in addition to the well-known options, there are some incredible, brain-boosting superfoods that may surprise you with their ability to preserve memory, ward of cognitive decline, and promote a healthier noggin overall.
“When protecting our brainpower, we often think of the classics: fish, berries, leafy greens. But the realm of brain-friendly foods extends far beyond these,” says dietitian Krutika Nanavati. She told us that lesser-known choices, like pumpkin seeds and beets, are also fantastic for keeping your brain in great shape. Below, we’ll dive into the benefits of these unsung heroes.
1. Pumpkin Seeds
It may no longer be fall (goodbye, Pumpkin Spice Frosty!), but it's never a bad time to stock up on pumpkin seeds and reap the benefits of this small but might superfood, which Nanavati says could do wonders for your memory and cognitive health.
"These humble seeds pack powerful brain-boosting nutrients," she says "Rich in zinc, magnesium, and iron, it supports healthy neurotransmitter function and neuron growth." All of these nutrients are vital when it comes to enhancing your cognitive functions, including your memory.
Looking for ways to work this brain-healthy ingredient into your diet? For starters, pumpkin seeds make a great snack on their own. But Nanavati also says you can "sprinkle them on salads, yogurt, or homemade trail mix for a cognitive boost." Nice!
2. Beets
Don't sleep on beets! As Nanavati tells us, you should "remember to consider the humble beet." This root vegetable doesn't get nearly as much praise as it deserves. Not only is it rich in fiber and protein while remaining low in calories, but it can also bring a lot of benefits to your brain, especially if you're looking to sharpen your memory.
"Packed with nitrates, beets convert to nitric oxide in the body, promoting healthy blood flow to the brain, which is crucial for cognitive function," Nanavati explains. This underrated veggie can help increase blood flow to your frontal lobe, in particular, which is the area of your brain that's frequently linked to decision making and memory. Who knew?!
Beets may be a bit intimidating to some, but once you figure out how to prepare them, you'll love them. "Enjoy them roasted, in salads, or as a colorful smoothie addition," Nanavati suggests. Your brain will thank you!
The bottom line
It's important to remember that no single food is a miracle worker—even if it is dubbed a "superfood." Keeping your brain in the best shape possible and reducing your risk of cognitive decline will require you to work a number of healthy habits into your daily routine. However, there's no denying that one of the best things you can do for your brain health is make a nutritious diet a priority. So, add some pumpkin seeds and beets to your plate, and you'll be one step closer to great cognitive health—and a delicious meal!
