As it is, oatmeal is already one of the best breakfast foods out there. This complex carb can improve digestion, aid weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and offer up a range of other benefits. And thanks to the fact that its super versatile, you can add so many beneficial ingredients to the mix. That includes options that can do wonders for your brain health.
To discover one of the best oatmeal toppings out there to improve cognitive function and decrease your risk of brain disease, we spoke to health experts Krutika Nanavati, dietitian, and Lauren Thayer, registered nurse. They told us that antioxidant-rich blueberries make on of the healthiest choices for your morning bowl of oats. Read on to learn more about the brain-healthy benefits of these tasty berries.
Blueberries for brain health
Berries are some of the best superfoods for your overall health. These fiber-rich fruits are small but mighty, packing in so many health benefits. This is especially true when it comes to your brain health, which is why Thayer and Nanavati recommend mixing them into a hearty bowl of oatmeal to reduce brain fog, sharpen your memory, and ward of cognitive decline that comes with age.
"Blueberries have a very high concentration of antioxidants," Thayer explains. "This helps to balance the amount of free radicals and counteract oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress has been proven to speed up the aging process of the brain and results in poor brain functioning."
Nanavati seconds this, noting that blueberries have been found to improve cognition and memory in multiple studies. "As we age, our brain naturally starts to decline, resulting in cognitive impairments such as memory loss and decreased executive function. However, the antioxidants in blueberries can help protect against this decline by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation," she says.
In fact, a daily dose of blueberries may even be able to lower your risk of brain disease. "Studies suggest that consuming blueberries may also have a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's," Nanavati says. "The flavonoids in blueberries can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning, potentially slowing down the progression of these diseases." Incredible!
There are so many ways to work blueberries into your diet, but adding them to your oatmeal alongside other healthy ingredients, such as heart-healthy nuts and seeds is one fantastic way to start your day and set yourself up for maximum focus, energy, and mood. Your brain will thank you!
READ MORE: The Brain-Healthy Habits Health And Food Experts Swear By For A Sharper Mind And Better Sleep
