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It seems as though there’s always a new headline about what we should or shouldn’t be eating, so much so that keeping up with food fads can seem like a full-time job. But there is some pretty definitive science about what we should actually be eating, not just for a healthy body, but also for a healthy mind. The food we eat, and the diet we maintain, play a huge role in both our long-term brain and mental health. Consuming the foods listed below won’t just make you feel better, but will assist with your overall health and wellbeing too.
- Fruit and Vegetables
Stone fruits, like nectarines and peaches, have great nutrients for keeping our brains healthy.
Blueberries are another hot favourite for improving memory function. In the way of vegetables, leafy greens like broccoli and cabbage are best. Also important are tomatoes and other red and purple veggies, which contain the same memory-improving nutrients as blueberries and are a great source of antioxidants.
- Lean Proteins
Oily fish, a staple of the Mediterranean Diet, contain Omega-3s, one of the most vital things we need to maintain and improve our brain function. Chicken and eggs are also a great option and all three contain B-group vitamins. Nuts contain both healthy fats and vitamin E and studies suggest they improve brain function too, particularly amongst the elderly.
- Healthy Fats
Our brains are about 60% fat, so we need fat to keep them healthy. Avocados are a great source of healthy fat, so your avo on toast is actually doing your brain some good! Olive oil is best recommended above all others for cooking, while other popular oils, like coconut, contain more saturated fats than advised.
