Unshaken concentration and sharp memory can surely help our intelligence to improve our study or
work. People even resort to supplements and medicines for this.
The brain cells multiply quickly and are responsible for controlling all other parts of the body. Even a
small pin prick at some part of the body is realized by the functioning of the brain. Concentration,
memorizing, recollection, decision making is all done by the brain cells.
There are a lot of foods that help in sharpening our brain and improving the functioning of the brain due
to certain constituents present in them that improve the brain functioning. We can list 9 such
superfoods for the brain.
- Ghee or clarified butter. The huge energy demand for the functioning of the brain is met by the
healthy fats or saturated fats. Ghee contains these saturated fats in addition to the vitamins and
minerals required for the brain functioning. It mainly contains vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, etc. and
omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains antioxidants and amino acids like linoleic acid and butyric acid
which improve the functioning of the brain. According to various studies, it helps in development of the
brain in small children. If you are exercising well, the ghee you consume will be used for energy
production and will not be converted to cholesterol. A combination of jaggery, ghee and banana can be
given to children. Small amount of carbohydrates and sweet when added to ghee, breaks the blood-
brain barrier, thus helping the energy to reach the brain quickly. - Oily fishes. These are the fishes which contain the healthy fats required for the body. The
omega-3 fatty acids are present in fishes like salmon or the salt-water fishes like sardines, mackarels and
tuna, etc. These benefit our body in two ways. One, by maintaining the brain cell efficiency and two, by
improving the blood supply to the brain and maintaining the health of the blood vessels supplying the
brain. - Egg. The egg yolk contains saturated fats required for the body that improve the function of
brain cells. Also, it contains B complex vitamins, B12, B6 and folates that aid the brain in quick decision
making. Egg also has the ability to reduce the process of ageing and shrinking of brain. If we are doing
regular exercise, we can eat one egg a day without increasing our blood cholesterol. - Avocado is one of the richest sources of healthy fats for vegetarians. It contains high
concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and also has abundant amounts of vitamin E as seen in nuts like
almonds, walnut, brazil nut, etc. Chia seeds and flax seeds also must be included in diet. All these
improve the decision-making power of the brain and general functioning of the brain cells and blood
vessels supplying the brain. - Dark chocolate. This is bitter chocolate made from cocoa. Cocoa contains flavonoids which are
great antioxidants. These flavonoids help to reduce the oxidative stress to the brain. In situations of
excessive work and tension, people complain of feeling a fullness in the brain and inability to think and a
feeling of black out. There may be a feeling of loss of balance of the head too. All this is caused due to
the excessive oxidative stress to the brain, also known as brain fag. Flavonoids have the ability to
overcome this condition and improve the brain function. So, people who have excessive tension and
who are stressed out due to work must carry a pure dark chocolate bar in their bag. Eating a small piece
of this will quickly remove the oxidative stress and fatigue of the brain. - Coffee. Caffeine that is present in coffee, when reaches our body without any sweetening, helps
energy production in the brain. When we strain for a long time, a neurotransmitter called adenosine is
produced in the brain, which makes our brain sleepy. Excess deposition of adenosine makes us feel
drowsy and droopy after long hours of work. Coffee blocks the neurotransmitter adenosine and helps us
regain the energy quickly. - Broccoli. This cruciferous vegetable appears as a green colored cauliflower and contains large
amounts of fiber beneficial for our liver. It also contains lot of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants known
as glucosinolates. These lead to formation of a chemical called isothiocyanate, which helps to reduce the
brain fag or oxidative stress. Regular production of isothiocyanates in our body helps overcome
neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and reduces shrinking of the brain according to studies. - Berries. Gooseberry, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, mulberry, etc. come under the category
of berries that are rich in flavonoids and aid in improving the functioning of the brain cells and blood
supply to the brain. They also improve our decision-making power and energy supply to the brain. The
antioxidants present in these not only help the brain, but also help improve our skin and prevent several
other diseases and inflammations in the body. - Grains that have bran, such as red rice, wheat, barley, etc., have high concentration of vitamin A
and minerals and have a low glycemic index. They digest slowly and will be absorbed by the body
gradually too, thereby releasing the carbohydrate slowly to the brain. The brain requires small amounts
of carbohydrates supplied regularly for optimal functioning.
Including these superfoods in our regular diet can help improve the concentration, memory and overall
brain function.