Five Fun Foods That Can Increase Your Brain Power
When most people think about food, they don’t think of it as a way to increase their brain power. That’s a mistake. Research has shown that certain foods can give us a mental boost. From helping us think clearer to making us feel happy, food is a terrific way to keep our brains sharp.
Here are five food favorites that taste great and can give your brain a boost too:
1. Chocolate
One terrific brain food is chocolate, specifically the cacao beans found in dark chocolate. These beans are a true “super food” and have the ability to bust through brain fog, improve your mood, and help ease pain. They are also chock full of antioxidants, which protect your brain from harmful effects.
Tip: Visit your local health food store for high quality dark chocolate that has at least 75% cacao bean content.
2. Popcorn
Popcorn isn’t just for the movies anymore. This favorite packs a whole grain punch that increases good cholesterol levels and improves blood flow to the brain. Popcorn also is high in vitamin B6, which ensures proper communication between your brain cells.
Tip: Look for low-fat versions that come in single sizes and sprinkle a little hot sauce on it to rev up your metabolism.
3. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a rich source of protein, which is important for peak brain function. Research shows that a person eating a breakfast high in protein performs better on mental tasks throughout the day. Peanut butter is also a great source of vitamins B3 and folate. In addition, peanut butter helps regulate cholesterol which also keeps those blood vessels healthy.
Tip: Spread a tablespoon over a piece of whole grain toast for a brain-boosting snack.
4. Ice Cream
Scientists at the Institute of Psychiatry in London used MRI scans to study the effect that ice cream has on the brain. The processing area at the front of the brain, which is activated when people enjoy themselves, “lit up” just as it does in those who win money or listen to invigorating music. A spokesperson for the study states, “just one spoonful lights up the happy zones in the brain.”
Tip: Go for the low-fat version, and skip the Rocky Road.
5. Coffee
Okay, so it’s not actually a food, but it’s a fun and necessary part of waking up for millions of us. A study out of the University of North Dakota found that just one cup a day can help protect the blood-brain barrier by blocking the damaging effects of cholesterol. A leaky and inefficient blood-brain barrier allows harmful chemicals to pass through and has been found in Alzheimer’s patients.
Tip: Skip the high-calorie, high-fat double-caramel-full-cream version and instead opt for some fresh brewed organic roast.
You can sharpen your mind, increase your brain power, repair memory loss, and improve thought processes all by stuffing your face . . . now that’s food for thought.
Posted: November 3, 2008
Fantastic article, i love coffe and chocolate ( dark ) so you have just given me justification for stuffing my face.
LOL. Thanks! Chocolate is such an amazing food and the news just keeps getting better and better.
Thanks for submitting this post to our blog carnival. We just published the 41st edition of Brain Blogging and your article was featured!
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Shaheen
Popcorn without butter? Blasphemy! I may try it, just to see the reaction on the faces of my family when they realize what I’m eating!
Good point on the coffee. We actually bought our own espresso maker and so can make whatever form of coffee drink we like, which usually isn’t one of those “candy coffees.”
Thanks for a solid article.
Thanks for this article… I love all the food mentioned above, especially the no-no food coffee… and I didn’t know that it brings positive brain power!
I think they key here like in anything you eat is moderation. I love having peanut butter toast every morning and I can notice a difference in how my brain functions after I eat.
Hey! You are speaking my language! I love chocolate, popcorn, peanut butter, coffee and ice cream! It’s rare that I bat five for five. =)
I really liked your blog!
Before this, I am only know that chocolate, butter peanut, and ice-cream aren’t good for us to consume because they can make our body getting fat. Coffee also doesn’t well to our heart and stomach. Popcorn? I have no idea about that. But now, because of your tips I have to alter my opinion concerning them. Thanks a lot for your tips.
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I knew my automatic espresso machine was a good investment, good for the environment (no more disposable cups from Starbucks, cheaper also) and now it can keep me healthier. What a bargain!