Feed Your Head

With the commencement of school and homeschool for many children across, the U.S., I thought that it would be beneficial to outline the TOP TEN foods that increase brain power, memory and cognition. These foods are just as essential for adults as they are children, so read up and feed your head!

# 1 Blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. They are rich in antioxidants which help to prevent free radical damage to brain cells. Some studies suggest that antioxidants help conditions like Alzheimer's and ADHD.

# 2 Coffee and Tea (YAY for ME!!). Studies have shown that three cups of coffee per day increased memory function. Caffeinated coffee has more effect than decaf. A healthy dose of coffee would be two six ounce cups per day. Tea is great for your brain because of the antioxidants it contains (as noted in #1).

#3 Fish. Fish contains essential fatty acids needed for proper brain function. It is full of DHA and EPA, which have been linked to improvements for conditions like dyslexia, learning and behavior problems and degenerative brain disorders. If you are a vegetarian like we are, you can obtain the same essential fatty acids by using a plant based (algae) DHA/EPA supplement. They taste good too!

#4 Nuts. All nuts will help with brain function, but walnuts have the highest amount of Omega - 3 (brain food) and almonds are rich in Vitamin E and Selenium which have neuroprotective qualities. Some studies suggest that almonds help prevent Alzheimer's. Extra almonds for me please.

#5 Omega-3 Eggs. Omega - 3 helps your brain function properly. Hens fed a completely vegetarian diet that is rich in flax seed, that are allowed to roam free and are not given antibiotics and growth hormones produce the best eggs for brain function.

#6 Seeds. Flax seed, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed are perfect additions to salads, yogurt, trail mix or just eating by the handful. They are loaded with Omega - 6 fatty acids called GLA.

#7 Spinach. Spinach is rich in vitamin C and folic acid which are excellent nutrients for mood and memory. Frozen spinach is just as potent as fresh spinach.

#8 Sweet Potato. There is a certain type of sweet potato that has purple flesh that is supposed to be the best for brain function. As a matter of fact, recent studies say that this variety has the capability to repair damage to cognition and/or memory.

#9 Tumeric. This spice is yellow-orange and has been noted to also have properties that actually repair cognitive brain damage. It has been shown to reduce inflammation that is associataed with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. As with many of the other brain foods listed, tumeric and many other spices are loaded with antioxidants, which are not only great for brain function but for the body as a whole.

#10 Whole Grains. Unprocessed whole grains are excellent sources of selenium and all of the B vitamins. B vitamins are necessary for a sharp memory and a longer attention span.