The 10 Secret Foods To Boost Your Brain And Energy

A good diet also helps promote brain health. Foods like liver, broccoli, and turmeric contain nutrients that help boost brain power and energy.

When we talk about a healthy diet, most of us think about keeping our bodies in the best possible condition. But we forget that this also includes the brain, one of the most important organs in humans, which helps us maintain energy and good mental health.

The body is considered an extension of the brain because it sends signals and tells us what to do. Although some organs appear to be independent, they all obey the brain’s commands, so it’s important to take care of them and enhance their functions, says nutritionist Gabriela Álvarez.

In addition to mental exercises, the brain can be strengthened through nutrition. “ The brain and the gut are connected. From the womb, these two organs have a direct relationship: they originate in the same cells of the embryo and remain connected as the person develops,” the professional points out.

Foods to boost your brain

Different foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that improve brain efficiency, making it work faster and better, which is reflected in better memory, less stress, nervousness and fatigue, as well as delaying brain aging and preventing depression .

The brain requires glucose, derived from carbohydrates, for energy; it also requires B-complex vitamins for neuronal transmission and neurotransmitter synthesis. It also requires omega-3 fatty acids for healthy cell membranes and proper communication between neurons, according to neurologist Óscar Avendaño.

These nutrients can be found in a variety of foods, some more common than others. Below, experts list the foods that help boost brain and energy:

Liver: Rich in vitamin B12 and iron, it helps prevent anemia. It also strengthens neural connections.
Eggplant: provides anthocyanins, an antioxidant that helps prevent memory loss. It’s best to eat it with its skin on, as this provides a better concentration of this nutrient.
Banana: It’s rich in magnesium and potassium and provides electrolytes, which aid in neuronal synthesis and connections. Fruits and vegetables provide glucose, which provides energy to the brain.
Foods of animal origin— chicken, red meat, milk, eggs, among others—are sources of amino acids such as tryptophan, which is important for producing serotonin in the brain, which is why it works as an antidepressant and helps control sleep.
Turmeric: It’s ideal for improving memory and increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. It’s also good for improving mood and brain cell growth.
Broccoli: another food that helps memory and is rich in antioxidants. Its unique feature is that it provides vitamin K, which improves cognitive performance in older adults.
Oranges: Although they’re associated with vitamin C and the common cold, this fruit also boosts cognitive development, concentration, and memory. Vitamin C is involved in the transformation of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Avocado: rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamins K, C, B, E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which facilitate brain performance.
Nuts and other types of seeds: This food has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Its benefits include preventing neurodegenerative diseases and boosting cognition. It improves memory and cognitive performance.
Blueberries: contain flavonoids, which help prevent premature aging and Parkinson’s disease.