Nutritious Foods That Enhance Mental Health and Vigilance
There are specific foods that help to enhance mental health and vigilance. Certainly, diet choices have a significant impact on the health of our brains. For instance, healthy diets can help to prevent conditions such as Alzheimer’s, stroke or dementia during old age. As such, below, we have highlighted eight types of foods that enhance mental health and alertness.
Blue Berries
Photo Courtesy: Pinterest
Blueberries have numerous health benefits. First, they are rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants which significantly improve brain memory and motor coordination. Moreover, the anti-oxidants present in the blueberries help to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation which contribute to brain aging. Additionally, the anti-oxidants help to improve communication between brain cells.
Fatty Fish
Photo Courtesy: Pinterest
Fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 helps to build both nerve and brain cells. Additionally, omega-3 is responsible for sharpening memory, improving moods and protecting the brain against decline.
Coffee
Photo Courtesy: Pinterest
Coffee has two main ingredients including antioxidants and caffeine. These two elements help to boost brainpower. Particularly, the antioxidants present in coffee reduce the risks of neurological diseases. On the contrary, caffeine makes the brain alert, sharpens concentration and boosts feel-good neurotransmitters such as serotonin.
Broccoli
Photo Courtesy: Pinterest
Broccoli is rich in Vitamin K and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Indeed, Vitamin K is vital for forming sphingolipids, a type of fat necessary for the development of brain cells. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds promote healthy brains by preventing damage.
Pumpkin Seeds
Photo Courtesy: Pinterest
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, copper, magnesium, iron and antioxidants. Zinc promotes nerve signaling. Therefore, a deficiency of the zinc element can lead to the development of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression. Furthermore, Magnesium boosts memory while copper controls nerve signals. Lastly, iron reduces brain fog while the antioxidants protect the brain from free radical damage.
Eggs
Photo Courtesy: Pinterest
Eggs are rich in vitamins B6, B12, B9 (folates) and choline. Particularly, choline promotes the creation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Therefore, it helps regulate mood and enhance memory capabilities. Moreover, Vitamin B6 and B12 help to slow mental declines. Additionally, Vitamin B6 helps to curb depression. Certainly, a deficiency of Vitamin B6 can cause dementia. Furthermore, Vitamin B12 helps in controlling sugar levels in the brain.
Oranges
Photo Courtesy: Pinterest
Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C which helps to prevent mental decline. Moreover, Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that helps to combat the free radicals that can damage the brain cells.
Dark Chocolate
Photo Courtesy: Pinterest
Dark chocolate is packed with brain-boosting ingredients such as flavonoids and caffeine. Particularly, flavonoids are antioxidants that have the potential to protect neurons against injury from neurotoxins. Additionally, they suppress neuroinflammation, promote memory capabilities and enhance learning and cognitive function. Contrary, caffeine, promotes better concentration and improves alertness. Moreover, dark chocolate helps in improving people’s moods.